The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-03
THE FINGER OF FIRE.

frenzy has been fired by the Scent OF
blood. And in its midst a helpless
fellow being, bound hands and feet
with the moose OF the lynch men
around his neck.
l came suddenly upon such a
scene in one of the settlements on
the Rio Grande, whittier | had
| journeyed to find BROTHER whom
| had not seen for many years.
AS l reined up my horse near the
crowd and glanced over the exciting
spectacle, an involuntary cry left
my lips, as l recognized in the
victim him whom | had come so Tar
to see.
He saw and knew me instantly,
and, though no word came from
him, mute lips appealed to my heart
for help.
My appearance caused hesit
alton on the part of the lynch.
leaders.
Iquickly learned that man, a
stranger in those parts, had been
killed that morning near a small
body OF water a short distance from
the settlement, and that my brother
had been caught in the very act OF
striking the death blow.
Not one of the spectators seemed
to have any doubt of his guilt; but
who is so hardened as to condemn
his own brother.
shuddered as | realized Almosts
peril, and in my own heart judged
him innocent of any crime.
He is my brother! | cried.
Hark shouted one of the onlook-
ers, the brother of the murdered man
is here for Justice. Up with him
boys!
Hold l commanded, rising in my
stirrups as l spoke, blood calls for
blood! Let me have hold of that
rope!
The mistake in my identity had
suggested way in which l might
enable my brother to escape, and
resolved to attempt it at whatever
risk. Fortunately there was a
little family resemblance between
us.
Urging my horse forward the
crowd parted, allowing me to reach
his side, when l dismounted, osten-
sibly to examine the slipping
moose.
1t will do, l said, loud enough to
be heard by all. Now help me to
lift him on the back OF my horse.
We want to do this job in some
shape.
Willing ones sprang to my assist
ance, but in the brief interval cut
the prisoners bonds SO they held
only by a thread, and arranged the
moose so it could be thrown OF as
soon as his arms were free.
knew few horses could match
mine in speed and once he had
cleared the throng, my brother
would be comparatively safe.
He understood my intentions and
the moment we lifted him upon the
horse he wrenched his arms free,
threw off the moose, dropped into
the saddle, and giving the animal a
smart blow, dashed through the
| crowd like whirlwind.
Fools! bunglers! | yelled, he will
escape! Quick horse!
The affair was done aud over so
suddenly that l was dazed and bewild
cred myself, and before the spect
tators could give pursuit-tortunately
hor ,es were not handy-my brother
had gained safe distance.
OF course there was loud cursing
over his escape, but | appeared SO
anxious for his recapture, no blame
was attached to me. To carry out
the deception | had the body of the
stranger carefully Eburied, and
remained in the place until l deemed
1t safe to depart.
1t was nearly month before |
met my brother. and then he thanked
me with tears in his eyes for my dar.
ing assistance in his escape from the
lynchers. To my surprise, however
he evaded the subject of the murder
saying simply that no crime had
been committed. | did not feel like
pressing the matter SO the affair was
not mentioned again, though it ha:
haunted my mind ever since.
Last week my brother died will
no kindred near him, and to day:
mail has brought me manuscript
containing startling revelation.
In justice to my brothers name, a
well as my own satisfaction, | an
prompted to give to the public on
of the strangest confessions eve
, made. The following is his accoun
l as he wrote it for me:
When this is read | shall hav
passed beyond the tribunal of ma
so | wish to impress upon you ths
. | am about to record faithfully a
experience which l sincerely hop
will fall to the lot OF no otht
- person.
= was alone in my private
U my stopping plse , :,
.a'e one oS'' .ueeq asn! Y
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