New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-24
A LAST RESORT.

= cornneld from still darker woods young man,
his clothing drenched and mud-stained. his race
haggard and desperate, and his whole attitude
as he leaned heavily against the rail fence tell
ing Of utter exhaustion. He was worn out For
more than two hours he had been flying for life
over n country imperfectly known to him, though
familiar TO his pursuerS.
More than once he had been compelled to re-
trace his steps when every moment was precious
and every step through the yielding mud required
an effort Worse yet. there was no possioihV
Of throwing the followers off the trail. Every
step left its plain impression. to be followed ds
fast as horse could trot, and capture meant sure
and swift death-no wonder he was desperate
Turn which way he would Gilbert Hazelton
could see nothing before him but speedy and dis
graceful death. Never to see the sun again. nay
not oven 4 friendly face. Was this the end Of the
bright hopes with which he had kissed his mother
good-by only two short months before? 1t seemed
like far-awav dream now lie had lived ages
Of fear and agony since then gone through uii-
speakable humiliation and dread
lie had been accused of murder trled ior ms
life found guilty and sentenced to death; MS
letter to his friends must have mlscarTleu' lor
thev hcd rot come TO his relief Poor ana alone
among strangers who persisted IN DeiieVlhg MN
Identical with the tramp VINO had murdereu pooi
Da,1d Westford Gilbert had vet fought bravery
for his life Some few had been convinced or MS
innocence, and his lawyer had succeeded III oD-
tanning a new trial. in which new witnesses
might at least prove an alit
But when this word went abroad, the toWrs-
people were furious They had seen more than
one undoubted criminal escape through some
teohricaty Were they now to see the murderer
of poor David Wcstf0rd escape through the
easily bought perjury Of some worthless cOnpan>
ions in crime? They vowed 1t should not be- Last
night at dusk groups If stern-looting men stocd
before the Jail talking grimly together. ana
-ri,fsn in no SnprltI
coming.
The jail was old and rlclsety. He could not de-
fend H. and his resolve was quickly taken. In
the early dusk the prisoner was sent out by q
side door. under charge Of the Sheriff son, whlle
the Sheriff himself remained To make sure mop
violence did not make n mistake ana seize some
Other victim Eut treachery carried the word to
the mob and they were soon in hot pursuit OF me
furtlves. In This emergency the boy. who was
firmly convinced of the prisoners innocence re-
leased him. demanding only n promise 70 reJon
him at a place appointed. and himself turned
back TO throw the pursuers Of the trai! IL pos
sibe. Gilbert fully Intended 10 Keep ms
promise but In the darkness he missed his way,
and the bloodhounds in the rear caught his trail
Now for two hours. which seemed two eterni-
ties he had been running for life, ana the I'M
known country and horrible mud mad completely
exhausted the little strength that two months
Of confinement and terrible anxiety had left him
Nothing but utter desperation could have driven
him another rod. But when n shout came
family from the rear h" pushed forward with n
great effort across the strip Of cornie!d through
the fence. and out on a well-travelled road.
To one less utterly out this would have
given n gllmmer Of hope. for here at least the
mud had become liquid Done. which retained no
footprint The pursuers would not know which
way - turn. and must watch both roadsides 70
see that he did not turn aside. But he was too
tired 10 the advantage, and when, after
running n few rods. he 81 )ped and fell. he lay
there a full minute too utterly exhausted 10 rise.
What was the use. when his utmost endeavors
could only put off death for few moments?
Why not take one moment for rest and thought
before the end came?
A farmhouse stood a quarter Of a mile farther
on and as he lay there painting exhausted. wait r
ing only for death 20 overtake him. his hopeless
glances fell upon its light How placid and
peaceful looked the lamp. shining serenely
through the parted curtains! Doubtless happy
family were sitting around II. father and mother.
talking and never dreaming OF the dark tragedy
cnacting - near. Would they care II they did
know? Would they come to his aid II some in
stinct should tell them? And then he suddenly
scrambled 10 his feet resolving 20 make one last
effort for his life. He would struggle on to the
farmhouse, and appeal to the quiet family circle
They might give him conCealment. It was but
death If he failed. and It would be no less II he
did not try.
It took all the strength this last faint hope
gave him % carry him TO the gate and up the
cndcr walk whose hard. dark surface would
beray no footstep. Yet his heart failed as he
reached the door, and leaned, utterly exhausted,
against the doOrpOst.
'If only knew there were women inside, A
woman would be merciful. But II may be some
stern old farmer. who VIII only order me or
and set the dogs me"
The window was but step away. lie crept
10 II. and looked between the curtains. plain,
neat farmhouse kitchen. and two women. evil
IDENTIFY mother and daughter, sitting by the table
before the fire, the mother sewing, the daughter
reading aloud. No one else In sight, yet Gilbert
gave a smothered gasp and fell back in despair
David Westfords mother and sister! That
settles IT,"
lie had seen both faces at the tral-the elder,
sad and patient under It's svery hair; the
TIT,
strong relief by the dark eyes. long Jet lashes
and heavy black braiis.
He stood there STILL hopeless and helpless,
when there came a sudden break in the clear
voice within. The girl had ceased reading. He
looked IN. and saw her pick up pitcher and
toward the door \ moment more and
she had come out all unconscious OF the man
50 near, gone straight to the pump. on which the
lamplight shone and filing her pitcher.
Nerved by desperation. Gilbert stepped toward
her
Il will appeal to her. Why shouldn't I? I
dld not xiii her brother She may pity me-
She is woman. and they are half Qualters
have heard" he muttercd-and aloud, Miss
Westford. help for Gods sake
The canknR Of the pump ceased. The girl
looked around with startled air. who
spoke?" she demanded
"A fugitive utterly exhausted with flight from
n bloodthirsty mob They close at my
heels. I can't go farther, and am doomed UNI
less you have pity and give me help or conceal
ment."
WHO are you?" she inquired. and With a
dreadful sinking at his heart he gave his name.
Gilbert Hazeton"
She uttered sharp cry and looked away
where the distant lanterns cleaning !
through the cornhe!d-the pursuers on his track.
Il must ask mother" she said and snatchng
up her pitcher swept past him into the house
He heard her quick voice. and Mrs Westford's |
startled cutlery. and in very desperation fol-
lowed her in
The old mother met him. white-haired and |
venerable. 80 thee can seek shelter here, Of !
David Westfords bereavcd mother?" she said, !
bitterly wOnderingly
"Why not? never harmed you or him."
he urged. desperately. AS true as there is a |
heaven above us. / am Innocent OF what is laid |
to my charge. II will be proved when my friends |
come. But that Will be too late unless you help |
me-"
But I do not know 1t now" Mrs. Westford |
wavered. "Thee speaks fair, but do not all |