Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1893-01-27

camp, and it was known that he was
considerably under the influence OF
liquor He was almost giant IN
size and strength, and it was reason
able to conclude that he had made
something of a struggle, even though
half drunk and taken unawares. In
deed, when the surgeon came to look
him over blood was found in his
finger uails 10 prove that he had
lacerated the hands of his murderer.
This was point to go on, but was
not even considered by the authori-
ties. They followed the course pre-
viously pursued and made several
hundred arrests.
On the third day after the sergeant S
death had biz OF chain work 10 do
on piece of land two miles east Of
the town, and my helper was a native
who had served in the department
for year He was middle aged
man, very slender, and his weight
was not above 100 pounds He had
drifted into the town at the close Of
the war, and it was said OF him that
he came from the north and had been
faithful to the English during the
struggle. When not acting as u
hel per in the field he had the care of
some horses belonging to the depart
| ment. The only name that he was
known by was Peter. When sent him
word that | wanted him he returned
a reply that he was i'll, bat half an
hour later he put in his appearance
and explained that he was feeling
better. We had reached the field
and had fairly begun when my at
tention was attracted to his hands.
The backs Of both were scratched
and laoerated, though the wounds
were half healed.
1T was the monkey at the stables
who did it, sahib, he explained, as
he held up his hands for inspection.
II was teasing him and he got re-
venge. | will sell him if can find
buyer
knew he had a monkey at the
stables, and his explanation was per
fectly satisfactory The matter was
forgotten in moment, and it would
never have occurred to me again but
for what followed. 1t was Il scorch-
ing hot day, and after an hours work
we sought the shade TO rest. As |
was lighting my pipe for a smoke
Peter observed that lie was very
thirsty and would visit spring he
knew of about quarter Of mile
away. The field on which we were
working had once been cleared, but
was now pretty well grown over with
bushes and small trees. He disap-
peared at my back, and | gave him
no further thought for many minutes.
| had out my book and was making
some Geld notes when all of sudden
it struck NE that Peter had pecul-
lar look rs he explained how he had
received the wounds on his hands. /
remembered that his face hardened
and that there was cruel glitter IN
his eyes. Things Of this sort never
strike one at the moment, but are
vivid when recalled. When | remem-
bered his looks | wondered that he
had not killed the monkey for attack
ing him, aud | reflected that the man
must have hot temper when aroused.
| do not suppose devoted over five
minutes to this train of thought. As
time passed by forgot my surround
ings while busy with the pencil. Peter
had been gone for about thirty min
utes, as | afterward figured up, when
was suddenly clutched by the throat.
was leaning back against a tree
hardly larger than mans arm, and
was reclining TO the left. Ny eyes
caught no glimpse of anything, nor
had nv ears detected the slightest
sound to put me on my guard.
The first sensation was exactly like
that OF falling. remembered roar
ing in my ears and fireworks dancing
before my eyes, and | was perfectly
conscious that my throat was in the
clutch of human fingers. What saved
me was the tree and the position In
which | sat. l did not realize that
| struggled to break the clutch, but l
did put forth a mighty effort. My
right shoulder and arm were Il lever
against the strangers right wrist,
and as heaved / broke his clutch
and leaped to my feet. IL was Peter,
as you have suspected. He had only
gone few rods away and then turned
and crept back on Inc like serpent.
His route was through bushes and
vines. but when came to go over it
| could not find that he had broken =
twig. Ny spriuging up threw him
down, but he was on his feet like
cat, and with a cry like that Of an
enraged beast he sprang for my
throat again. His eyes were fairly
blazing. his face distorted witu pas
sion. and | realized in an instant that
il was his life or mine.
Under the new laws no native was
allow ed to carry a deadly weapon.
II one was found provided with knife
or pistol. he was sent to prison. On
the other hand all Europeans went
armed. l had a revolver buckled
around me, and if Peter had not been
so sure Of strangling me,he could have
secured the weapon as he crept up
behind ME. He sprang upon me Ike
a wildcat, seeking my throat at every
clutch, and we grappled and rolled
over and over on the ground He
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