The Red Cloud chief., 1902-05-30

Himself something OF a practical
Joker, II was natural that the dramatic
student of human nature should be
suspicious lest he fall a victim to some
deep-laid plot to bring down upon his
head the laugh that cuts so keenly.
But Charlie looked as grave as a
deacon. Had he been attending the
~obseqnics of the man who was hung.
he could not have appeared more sol
cmn.
Matters of this character always pos
sessed for him a peculiarly strong in
terest. and he was eager to CLEAN the
. particulars.
We'll, it isn't given to most of us
to see a man hung, and then meet him
afterward alive and well. Tell me
about II, Charlie, my boy"
There isn't a great deal to narratc.
Al the time an instruction in Chill
was causing the most intense excite.
ncnt, and some very bloody battles
were fought about Santiago.
Il CHANGED to be. as | said. in Val
paraiso. One day | found myself in a
crowd Of excited citizens and soldiers
in the midst of whom stood a prisoner
IA spy, caught red-handed, upon
whom they were about to execute sum
mary judgment.
That was Captain Nathaniel.
The word was given. and | heard
a roar from five hundred Threats as
the wretch was ierked OFF his feet.
One moment | saw him as he
dang,ed in space. hands and feet strik.
ing out wildly-a spectacle | shall new
or forget TO my dying day.
There came a sudden shot. and
Hedge fell TO the ground in a heap
sJme one had cut the rope with a we'll
aimed bullet.
Immediately the deuce of "A row
broke out. but bless you. the AFFAIR
died away as speedily as it began, and
then, gradually, it dawned upon the
minds Of the crowd that a great hoax
had been successfully carried out.
For when they looked for Hedge,
in order to complete their artistic lit
tie job. behold, the man who had al
ready been partially hung had disap-
peared. nor were they able to discover
him. though Valparaiso was thorough
~ searched.
That is my little story. and | am
almost ready to swear that orr Capt.
Brand in yonder is the identical
Hedge, grown "A little gray in the ser
vice Of beating the world, but just
the same old sixpence."
Artemus nodded, and they separated
for a time.
But their meeting had not been I'M
observed.
The ubiquitous baron had his eye on
them, and possibly figured ont some
wonderful game as connected with
his mysterious conversation,
Charlie went back to Airline and
Capt. Brand. and the three Chatted foi
a while.
Then Airline graCiously consented to
play several favorite pieces. while
Charlie idly glanced through "A book
made mp of fugitive songs and music
1t was while doing this he suddenly
came upon an opportunity to make
another test of the mans Identity. Sc
Charlie handed the well-worn book OF
music 10 the fair girl.
play hat for mean old favorite-
always rcvives pleasant recollections.
Charlie was so situated that a side
glance into a massive pier glass gave
him an excellent view of the man who
had arisen from the dead.
What Stuart had SO accidentally. vel
fortunately, come across was the Chi
liam National Hymn. He watched the
effect upon Capt. Brand.
M A.. a,,, .,,l,, a.. ain pnta, ~
this Spanish-American music throbbet
1907 the air. Brand sat bolt uprigh
upon the divan.
Involuntarily he seemed to gasp FOL
breath; his tongue partly protrudeC
from his mouth. as though he wer,
being choked, while his hand crept M
TO his throat and clutchcd his loos,
collar. as If to tear it away.
Charlie exulted in the sight, 1t con
tirmed his suspicious,
There was no longer the faintes
doubt remaining in his mind.
This was the man.
Finally they said GOODNIGHT.
Charlie managed to whisper a few
sentences in Arline's ear while tn
captain waited at the door, 50 tina
he was assured of seeing her again
on the morrow.
Can't. Brand led her away
One smiling glance she sent bacl
over her plump shoulder-gods' wha
a thrill it gave the bachelor who re
ceived il,
Here was a miracle,
He felt dazed-felt as though h
walked in A dream. He who had scon
ed at such a ridiculous thing as Low
at first sight. who had always declare
the holy passion a flower or s'oN
growth, founded upon mutual irieno
shin and esteem, no" discovered III
theory in utter ruin, and no only ina
but himself ensulfed IN the chaoti
debris.
Finally he aroused himself 10
aAA.