Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-02-02

1t is comparatively easy to kill q man
whose head rests upon stone.
Presently, however, their wonder gave
way to rage. Xavier had been favorite
among them, and they were not minded
that he should die unavengcd. So they
drew round Leonard, scowling and ours
ing
Stand back he said, land let me
pass. have fought the man fairly. Had
/ wished to take advantage of him should
/ not have used thissn And for the first
time he remembered and drew his colt,
the sight of which cooled their artor some
what, for they gave way. Perhaps you
will give me an arm, father Leonard
went ON, speaking to the priest, who was
standing by. II am much shaken
Francisco complied, and they started
toward Juanna, Otter guarding the rear
with his saber. Before they had gone ten
yards, however, after hasty consultation
with one of his captains Pereira waddled
toward them.
'.Seize that MANI he'shouted HE has
killed the worthy Dom Xavier. Having
first insulted him, he has killed him by
violence, and he must answer for it. -
A dozen ruffians sprang forward at his
piuoi1iS, oniy " NC 1iict Of lifC s2tiCE anu
pistol of Otter, with neither of which
were they anxious to make closer acquaint-
ance. Leonard saw that the position was
very grave, and n thought came into his
mind. you wish TO escape from this
place, father?" he said rapidly 10 the
priest
YES, answered Francisco. 1T is a
hell
'Then lead me as swift as you may to
that bridge. am hurt and weak, and
there is succor beyond 2
AS he spoke the drawbridge, which was
not ten yards away, fell with crash.
Run across, Juanna Rodd," cried
Leonard in English.
She hesitated, then obeyed. 1t seemed
to Leonard that the look upon her face
said, How can leave your
Now, father, said Leonard, 'make a
rush for it, And leaning on the priests
shoulder he stumbled toward the bridge.
But he would never have reached it had 1t
not been for Otter.
"Treasonr' roared Pereira. "Stop himl
Who let down the bridgcs''
A man came on to the attack. 1t was
the same young captain that Leonard had
offered to fight before the auction. In his
hand was knife already uplifted to fall
OH Leonard's back, when Otter's saber
flashed, and the man went down.
''Seize the bridge and hold it'' reared
Pereira again.
"Wind up, wind up, yelled Otter in
answer as with saber and pistol he held
back the mob.
Those on the farther side obeyed with
such a will that Leonard and the priest
rolled down the slanting planks.
Otter" cried Leonard. Good God,
he will be killed."
By way OF answer Otter fred the last
barrel of his pistol. Then with yell, be-
fore they could close upon him, he sprang
like wildcat straight at the iron chains
of the bridge, which were used to secure
it in its place when needful At the mo-
ment they hung four feet or more above
his head, but he grasped them, shouting
to Soa to hoist away.
A man attempted to seize his legs, but
Otter kicked him in the face, and he fell
into the water. Next second he was out
of their reach and rapidly rising high into
the air. Some threw knives and some
fired pistol shots after him, but none of
these touched him.
All, Yellow Devil" he cried as he
swung, "look behind you. There is an
other devil, yellower and fiercer than
you" Pereira turned and all the compa
ny with him, and at that moment, with
cracking roar, vast sheet Of flame burst
up from the morass The reeds had
caught at last and in good earnest, and
the strengthening wind was bringing the
fire down upon them.