Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-07-13


which is so terrible to any country
harassed by 1t.
In Palmyra there lived one Taylor, a
man of union tendencies, but obnoxious
TO both northern and southern men in
the place because of his low standard
Of morality. lie made a practice of
spying upon his neighbors and report
ing to the guerrillas of like belief.
Many were the horses seized and men
taken prisoners at his instigation, so
that even the children avoided him,
and were seized with fear and trembling
II he came near. This state of things
continued fer some time, until, one day,
n band of -outhern guerrillas came
through the little place and captured
Taylor. lie was never heard of again
and the citizens breathed frccr, and
said good radiance to bad rubbish"
A band of the northern gucrrillas
hearing of the incident gallopcd to the
town, and seized rs prisoners some Of
the southcrners of the place, declaring
that II Taylor were not Immediately pro-
duced, ten lives should be taken. Con-
stcrnation seized the people.
What were they to do? Taylor could
not be produced. They did not know
what had become of him 1t was sup
posed he had been killed. and dead
man could not be produced.
Prayers and entreaties availcd moth
ing. The men were determined and
the people had TO submit.
The day following the capture of the
men was set for the execution. The
whole town was in mourning. Wives
and children were weeping over the
fate of husbands and fathers, mothers,
over their sons, and one young girl
mourned for her lover to whom she was
TO have been wed in two days
Early in the morning on the day Of
the execution, young Graves wcndcd
his way toward the place of the shoot
ing.
a most affecting scene was transpir-
ing. Tho final partings were taking
place, and the cries Of the hcurt-brollen
won.ea were dreadful to hear.
One little group, particularly, at
tracted his attention. 1t consisted of a
wife and six little children taking u
last leave Of the husband and father.
The wife's grief and despair were heart
rending. The husband was bowed
down with anguish at leaving them un-
protected during the cruel war.
Graves stopped, his own heart throb
bling in a great sympathy for them. lie
offered consolation, but nothing could
comfort them. Fearing to intrude long
upon those last, solemn moments, he
left them full Of intense pity.
"If could only help them" he muir.
INJURED to himself, but there is nothing
that can do-Ah!" A sudden thought
darted through his mind. Why not
give himself in this mans place? lie
stopped short. Could he? Life was 81
sweet, so full Of promise To merely
exist was pleasure And yet the wife
and those little ones! How friendless
how unprotected they would bel But
why should hep There was no call for
him 10 do it. Turning, he hastily made
his way 10 a clump of trees where he
could be unobserved, and threw him,
self on the ground. Should he? The
thought presented itself again and
| again. There was no one to miss him.
| No mother or sisters 10 grieve If he
were to die-none but himself in all
the wide world-and yet--and yet Life
was so fair. Visions Of the future rose
before him. Vistas Of glory and fame,
Could he voluntarily lay this DOWN.
The air came fresh and cool upon his
brow, lie arose and looked around
him. Was ever the Sky 50 blue before?
How the sun shone, and how clear the
Mississippi looked as it lay between the
| high bluffs OF Missouri and the lowlands
of Illinois! The trees hung over the
banks of the river, throwing long deep
dark shadows like the shadows OF death
| -death-what was it? Should he solve
the mystery in few short hours, on
still be living on the beautiful earth
Torn with indecision, he threw himself
upon his knees, and cried for help
With the prayer came faith and trust
and strength, and he arose pale and de
! termincd.
Walking rapidly, he made his way &c
the leader Of the gang, and made known
his request. The man gazed at him
with ass)nishment,
do you know what you are doing2'
he asked.
81 do, replied Graves, firmly.
The leader hesitated. II don't like
to- he said at last.
Come" said Graves, "be merciful
II will be an act Of mercy, and WIN
should you care2 You will have you
ten men"
After more hesitation, the leade
finally gave reluctant consent Tn
father was restored 10 the wife, who's
joy was tempered by regret for tn
brave young man.
At twelve noon, the guns were fired
and young Graves soul fed 10 it
maker. There stands "A simple shat
above his resting place, bearing tn
| following inscrintion; uGrenter low