The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-10-01

Escape Through the Windows
Seemed Easy Enough, But y6
a very fair resemblance to the heads
of the sore Tvs. which had gone. Hasti-
~ repacing the candles on the nails
and the lid over the lower portion of
the coffin, [ crept in, and with my
string handles drew it over me, hold
ing it down firmly. a--e .-...
My first feeling was one Of ,uffoca-
ton, SO unbearab BILE that my scheme al
ready seemed impossible. Should I
have time to make an air-hole? T
thought, and would seemed easy
enough, but would it be safe if I did?''
I resolved to try, and pushing my lid
down, reached a large gimlet, with
which bored some holes at the side.
"A tramping Of feet, and dropped
place.
''As the door latch turned my heart
beat violently. Had they seen it moye?,
with all my might I clung to the
lid, the muscles of my arms swelling,
my teeth clenched, M breath coming
quick and fast.
''That was the most agonizing mo-
ment Of my life, as I waited in dread
suspense, all the vitality in my veins
frozen with horror.
'The sound of a low, monotonous
voice broke on my ear. The words
brought the reality of my awful po-
sition vividly before me. The priest
was blessing this mocl1ery Of death!
AS he ceased, the soldiers went to the
door Of the adjoining room. Would
they discover the exchange? l heard
it open and shut again; they were
evidently satisfied was asleep under
my blanket. The coffin was raised;
still clung to the lid, fearing it would
slip, but my grasp was so tight that
the only risk was in the string break
ing.
MY feeling can be imagined as they
carried ME out on their shoulders,
these strong men who were prepared
to shoot me down like a dog at day
break.
81 knew only too we'll what a wild
plan I was pursuing how mad this at
tempt to save myself would have
seemed at any other time. But des-
peration and acute emergency will
drive one to any lengths, and had
seen so much Of the superstition of
these people.
$50 I chung to my wretched thread Of
hope, and prayed as [ never did he
fore! did not know where was BE-
ing taken, but judging from the time
it was out of the camp.
'.The formula of this military night
funeral was familiar to me. should
be set down at the side of the grave
on the ropes that would lift and lower
me, while the priest sprinllled some
more holy water. Then the firing ltarty
10 ~,
in.
raised my lid Slightly to get a good
halt, and was deposited with rather
jerky motions on the ground.
s';rhe crucial mo1uent had arrived
when a dash for freedom, life and air
should save or end my existence! Ny
last chance, a final entreaty to the
powers above. a bracing of the nerves,
resolution and then
gripped my string handles tighter,
and with one mighty effort dashed Up
the lid, shrieking wildly in Spanish:
10 soy espritu Gel su jefe, Escarion e
am the spirit of your leader, Escario.
'0The lid struck the men violently
soldiers as they were, for whom bull
soldires as they were, for whom bulls
lets had no terror, they started back
covering and white, consumed with
superstitious dread at this weird res.
direction
Whether they believed indeed [ was
their fallen chief or devil bursting
from bonds, know not, for in the
twinkling of an eye I was away under
cover of the night. Before they had
time to consider, the phantom vanish
ed, Selling the opportunity Of a momen
tary panic.
THANK heaven that there were no
stars or moon, and if ever a man ran
like the wind, did that night
B Dick, = I cried, springing up and lay
ing my hand on his shoulder, ssold
man, / congratulate you.
. We'll, it was q near shave, certain
". But fortune favored me, and com
ing across some friendly miners, I lay
perdu awhile, disguised as one Of them.
Eventually, as my presence proves, I
got away, and / do not think that cor
ner of the globe will ever see my face
again. "-Pittsburg Dispatch.