Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-03-19
Jokes About The Hereafter Says He Did Not Know What
Being Born Again Ment
HAS BEEN A GOOD PRISONER
Was Always Cheerful Telling Stories of All Kinds And
Cracking Jokes Till His Last Day

at II o'clock. He went direct to the
little dark cell under the hospital
whore Niegentind has been in solitary
confinement for several months
Usher George Van Auken unlocked
the iron door and the minister
stepped in and shook hands with the
prisoner. They both sat on the bunk
there being hardly room for two in
the cell. A tallow candle on a tiny
table, small pile of books, includ-
ing a, Bible and some pamphlets and
other books, nestled in corner as if
they had been somewhat neglected by
their owner and yet were loath to
part with him. The prisoner smiled
in an uneasy manner. He looked pale
and acted unnatural, said things
awkwardly and sometimes forced
laugh. After a short conversation
the prisoner reached to a table and
handed the minister a new whisk
broom of elegant workmanship. This
poor little gift he forced upon the
minister who fumbled about his coat
to find a pocket large enough to hold
it. AL the while death was the sub
ject Of their thoughts and words.
The minister withdrew through the
SliC of door and introduced a group
prisoner. He shook hands with each
and had nothing to say until an ac-
quaintanCe came. To him he called
out cheerily and laughed.
Ladies' Offer Flowers
Next came two Salvation army
women, Ensign Swanson and Lieu
tenant Long. They handed him a
small bunch of white chrisanthe-
NUNS and carnations.
Good bye, God bless YOU" cried
the ensign.
Good Bye" he replied as he took
the flowers.
Gwen meet in heaven" said the
ensign.
yes, came the answer.
The other lady shrank back when.
asked if she had anything to say and
passed on with her companion.
"He has been a good prisoner"
said Guard Burke, land is always
cheerful, telling stories of all kinds
and cracking jokes. Sometimes we
give him an hour or two to take ex-
erciSe in the yard. Sometimes he
goes to the deputy warden's Office and
talks to who ever is present.
"He usually tells his dreams to his
guards, but last night he slept more
sound than usual. He went to bed
at 10, an hour later than usual, and
was not awakened by the whistle
which blows at $3.50. We had to wake
him this morning"
The other day the prisoner and
Burke talked Of religious matters.
The murderer said he did not know
what being horn again meant. He
did not know how that could be.
The guard told him he did not know
much about it, but explained that it
meant new spiritual birth.
John, you come to the telephone
Saturday." said the prisoner, land L
will tell you about the other world"
This was given as a sample Of his
joking remarks.
At 9:45 the death warrant signed
by Judge Boyd of the district court
was read to the prisoner. He took it
to mean that they had come to put
him to death. He was told that he
would not be called for yet awhile.
lack Of time to give him his dinner
before he was hung. Later he was
given a meal and at his request he
was brought boiled beef and horse
radish with side dishes. He had been
in the habit of drinking beer, but
was never Incorporate and on this
his last day refused Intoxicating H.
quor.
AS his hands were bound tightly
behind his back he cast furtive
chances down upon those about him.
The color of his face was not per-
ceptibly changed and his GOODNESS was
fearful to behold,
He drew himself up straight as
the straps were being adjusted, |
watched the guard place a strap about |
his feet and looked to see how it was |
done. The black cap was pulled over
his face. This shut out all express |
ion, leaving nothing in sight but a
figure clad in black.
The voice Of the minister rang out, |
the words i'm German being so, |
Jesus, thou the Lamb Of God for sim
nerS slain"
"Christ, thou Lamb of God that |
taketh away the sins Of the world,
have mercy upon us. -
"Give us thy peace, O Jesus" and |
at his signal the drop fell.