The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1894-08-30

effort that it yielded ard fell out into
my chafed ana torn calm.
A, grasped this small and slender
implement a new hope dawned upon
me. My thoughts grew mole consecu-
tive, my nerves steadier, and although
l coul1 hear my tongue scrape against
my teeth like bit of parchment, yet
some way my terrible thirst was for the
moment appeased.
My plan was simple one. Holding
the nail firmly between he thumb and
work traight grOove-as long q one
as nv reach would enable me to make
into the lid of my coffin. An ton
ishing strength came to me as | en-
tered upon this new task. Up and
down. first with one hand and then
with the other. ran the sharp point
ed nail, which sank deeper and deeper
into the wood.
After had worked ~ for some
time in this way, it occurred to me to
turn over on M stomach and by rails
ing myself on my hands and knees to
try and force the lid of my coffin. 1t
t c. acked beneath the severe pres
sure which | was enabled to b ing upon
it. but did not yield. The groove was
not yet deep enough.
Again turned over on my back and
set to work once more with the nail.
wrapping a piece Of the pillow-shan
about my hand to save the skin from
being chafed and torn. After several
minutes Of furious effort | made an
other attempt to burst the lii off.
This time l succeeded. The cover was
snapped in two its whole length.
WASH t saved yet, but delicious
thrill of hope spread like balm over
my scratched, wounded, strained and
racked Body.
Iceased pushing, and lay motionless,
for I was afraid that the earth might
slip and smother me when [ was at
the very door of life again.
NV plan was to make use of the lid
as sort of shield while L was engaged
in digging my way out through the
thick layer of clay. But unto tunate
~. now found myself confronted BY a
new danger. The loose earth poured
in upon me and wedged the broken
board in so firmly that couldn't bulge
it. The ever-increasing weight of the
earth upon my breast began TO op; ress
me. Had got so near life. only to be
thrust back into the pit of death?
could feel the cool, moist clay settling
upon my face. A sickening sensation
0. fear crept over me. | determined
to make one last effort to b., r t Through
this deadly envelope. and with that in
tent, set my ieet against the end of the
coin. l yielded little and feeling
this, pushed out with a the strength
| could summon, thinking that possibly
there might be at this end an untitled
trench.
With - creaking and splitting sound
the board gave away, and my feet
passed out of my narrow prison, and
could feel the chill night air upon
them. "Mercifu heaven. am saved"
whispered hoarsely, as | pushed the
loose layer of earth to the right and
left, and. by setting my heels into the
ground, dragged myself slowly out OF
my coffin.
CHAPTER Ill.
lay there for moment in q sort of
frenzy of delight, my e es fixed upon
the stars and my breast heaving as |
drank in deep draughts of the pure,
! sweet air, which brought deli >ious
balm to my burning vitals.
Gradua ~ my strength returned tc
me, and my poisoned blood ceased tc
beat at my temples hammer-like.
staggered to my feet, and, raising my
. hands toward that beautiful. star-stud
ded armament, | poured cut my thanks
to tie Giver Of life for having thus