Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-10-27
penetrapie nlm tnar aiviaes umo rom

/ penetraDie nim tnat dlvlueS tlinc IroH
| eternity.
The Prophet heaved a sigh and NUT
| tered prayer, then went TO the throng
that surrounded objects of greater inter
| est
As he forced his way through low
sobs, as from breaking hearts, fell upon
his ears. He raised his bowed head and
saw the tall form Of Captain Brandon.
There was blood on his face and breast,
blood that covered the scar on his cheek,
but il was not his own. II was the life.
blood Of Henry Kyle. For moment
the two friends were in each others
arms
Il thank thee, thou Great Jehovah, "
cried the Prophet, THAT thou hast saved
my friend!'
Come this way. Let Us withdraw, Z"
whispered Captain Brandon.
The Prophet looked into the center Of
the group and saw DR.. Blanchard plac-
| ing Henry Kyle and Kushat on two
| stretchers that had been hastily con-
structed of rifles and blankets.
| "Are they dead?" asked the Prophet.
Not yet Come, let Us talk apart
We can follow them TO the grave y
They walked under the towering
rocks and watched the sad procession
forming and moving across the valley.
All the Kyles and the Blanchards were
there, but the wailing Of the women
told that the journey Of one Of them
would not end. but rather begin when
his bearers had set him down again.
The rifles were raised TO destroy me,
and | looked into the black muzzles
with a feeling that they were the last
things on which my earthly eyes would
rest, but, like a guardian angel, he drop
ped down from the sky and saved me, ="
sobbed the captain.
The Prophet laid his hand on the cap
tain's broad shoulder and looked into
his blood stained face with an expression
Of unutterable questioning and tender
ness.
Let Us wait. It may be better 70 say
no more-better that the dead past
should bury its dead. -
"No, no, Captain Brandon this must
not b.. Break the seals which the an
gels Of charity and silence have so long
placed ON your lips-break them, or |
will, " said the Prophet with great ear
nestness.
IF the silence is 10 be broken | will
do it. But we must now consider the
course that would bring the greatest
happiness. Am not rightl''
The two friends walked across the
valley, and on the way they passed the
bodies Of q number Of dead outlaws
with their ghastly faces upturned 10 the
sun. Among them was Fairplay, his
bronzed hands still clutching his rifle.
As they were nearing the cave Captain
Duncan met them and greeted Captain
Brandon with warmth that showed
they were valued friends There is Il
man over here, prisoner, who wants &c
speak to one Of you gentlemen, said
Captain Duncan.
"Who is he?" asked the Prophet.
Il believes he calls himself Font
Robb, but | recognize IN him criminal
who il wanted by the governors OF hall
a dozen states and territories, " replied
Captain Duncan.
They went over TO where the prison
ers were seated ON the ground, guarded
by number of cavalrymen.
''See har gents, said Font Robb,
rising and touching his cap, 1--WE got
favor to ask, and III say it's the one
I'd do for either Of you if you was in
the same fix am.
What is that:" asked the Prophet,
who was now i'll a mood 10 grant any
reasonable favor, even TO al outlaw and
an enemy.
Don't let the sojers carry me of,
said Font Robb.
Garry you OFF,
"Yes, tote me away from har"
what would you have me do?'
Why, I'd have you gents take the
law in your own hands You're the par
ties rs I've gone for last, and you
Oughtnt to let the military interfere.
You'd ought 10 make it your OWL
fun raj and prepare the corpse accordir
TO taste "
Il must say do not understand you,
said the Prophet
"Waal, amt much on the chinnin,
that's fact But har's tho pint: Why
can't you and Captain Brandon take me
right out and shoot me? II you don't
want to take a whack at me, mebbt
Louis Kyle would. The fact is don
want to be took off and tried where In
pretty sure Of bein strung up This Is
the favor, gents, and I'd be forever
obliged if you was to grant II, y saio
Font Robb again, touching his cap.
1--WE have not the power to grant you
request" said the Prophet, "and We
would not if we could. Life TO us II
sacred. Live while you can and prepare
to meet the God whom you have offend
ed "
fro BE CONTINUED