The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-16


Mrs. JOSEPH PETERSON, 513 East St,
Warren, Pa.
Cliff. The landlord was very obliging
He assisted me in selecting horse, told
me what l would need on my journey
and promised 10 let me know when he
heard of any one who was going to the
same place. On the third day of my stay
he introduced me to a man who intended
TO start for Silver Cliff the next morn
ing, and was willing to take me with him.
This man, who called himself Bill War
rem, was an evl-looking fellow, but rath-
er than wait longer i decided to accept
him as travelling companion.
Before daylight the next morning the
start was made. We had only one horse
each, and these were obliged to serve as
saddle horses and pack horses al the same
time. This made our progress rather
slow. We had ridden some ten or twelve
miles, when I thought | heard hoofbeats
behind us. Turning in my saddle | saw
number of horsemep following us at full
speed. As they rode they shouted some
thing like Halt! I was about to ask
my companion what 1t all meant when
saw him suddenly cut the strap which Sc
cured his pack, letting it fall TO the
ground. Then, putting spurs to his horse.
he was off like a shot. / tried to follow
him, but was unable to keep un Our
pursuers were gaining rapidly, and I now
heard them order me to halt and throw
up my hands, threatening 10 shoot if /
did not obey. AS there was no possible
chance to escape for me, / thought best
to comply with their demands. A mo-
ment later they galloped past me. all ex-
cept the last two, who refined in their
horses. one on each side of me. After
had been relieved of my weapons | was
allowed to let my hands fan to my side
CHANGING at my captors / found them
rough, determined looking men, armed to
the teeth and evidently ready to shoot a [
q seconds notice. They paid very little
attention to me, but seemed to watch
with great interest the pursuit of my COM
panion.
"All this time had not the slightest
idea what the trouble was, and l dared
not ask the men who were guarding me.
/ supposed that they intended to rob us.
but could not understand why they did
not do so Immediately
while these thoughts were passing
through my mind the band of pursuers
was rapidly overtakng Warren. At last
the foremost one swung his lasso round
his head and let fly at the fugitive catch
ing him around the shoulders and unhors-
ing him with a jerk that seemed enough
TO break every bone in his body Two
captive's arms and dragged him to the
nearest tree. Placing moose around his
neck, they threw the other end of the
rope over a limb, pulled until the victim
swung clear of the ground and left him
dangling there. He must have been kill
ed, or at least stunned, by his fall from
the horse for he hung perfectly notion
less There was a horrible fascination in
the awful sight, and / could not take my
eyes from the swaying form until was
aroused by the voice of the man on my
right. That's right sonny he said,
take a good look at it. It's the last
hangin you'll ever see ~
] shuddered al these ominous words. but
mustered up courage enough to ask what
my companion had done to deserve such a
terrible fate.
oh, don't try to play innocent! was
the reply accompanied by a volley Of
oaths; you are both In the same boat
Before I could protest my innocence
the rest of the horsemen rode up. Your
turn next said the leader grimly. IF
you've got any prayers to say, say 'em
damned quick
Speeches from fright, I was dragged
from my horse and led to a tree near by.
AS in a dream ! felt the moose placed
around my neck and saw the end Of the
lariat thrown over a limb A dozen
hands grasped It and waited for a signal
1
my tongue. For Gods sake, gentlemen,
] implored tell me why 1 am to be MUIR
dered. / swear / have done nothing
wrong
Don't waste your breath, you infer
nal horsethief,' jeered one Of the crowd.
You'll need all you've got before we get
through with you
"At these words understood ii all.
was suspected of stealing horses. / had
often heard Of the summary way in which
crimes of this sort were punished In the
West, and 1 felt that my situation was
hopeless.
"Im no horsethief,' I cried. 4 swear
to God bought that horse in Pueblo
"'He's a liar yelled a despera look
ing ruffian. IF he amt horse thief
whuts he dom in the company OF that
low-lived skunk over there?" and he
pointed to where the corpse of Bill War
rem swung to and fro like ghostly pend
ulum.
"Cries of string him up! String him
up resounded from all sides, but the
leader restrained his impatient followers.
Give him a chance TO say what he wants
to- said he. ITS the last chance he'll
have, unless he proves his innocence
Encouraged by these words, l explain
ed as well as ] could who / was, and
where / was going, and how / had met
Bill Warren only the night before, and
supposed him to be gold hunter like my
self
The leader seemed to be impressed by
my words and manner, but the others
clamored for my death. one big burly
fellow apparently voiced the sentiments
of the crowd, saying Hang the onery
cuss. He's only Kid and new at the
business, but IL we let him 20 he'll be
worse than his pal some day
II felt the rope tighten around my neck.
My last hour was surely at hand | cast
one despairing look about me. Some dis
lance away a horseman was approach
Ing. His face looked familiar. Hold on!