The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1907-12-26
Swift Vengeance.

one evening in a hamlet. A number Of
desperadoes had ridden into the town
and were in possession of the saloon.
from which came a chorus Of yells.
I was sitting on the veranda Of the
tavern when saw a young Mexican
man and woman go by. The man was
good looking, and the girl was beau
ty. Though l could not understand
the Spanish lingo they talked. it was
plain they were lovers. They separat-
ed almost in front Of the tavern, not
scruping to embrace at parting nor
caring that any one saw them in each
others arms. apparently oblivious to
all except themselves.
Ten minutes later the young man
was passing the saloon when several
of the brawlers came out roaring
drunk. brandishing revolvers.
"You say you can beat me shootin'"'
yelled one to another. ''1'll show you
what l can do" And, aiming, at the
young Mexican, he fired. The boy
sank down on the ground with moan.
heard shrek and, looking toward
a house the girl had entered. saw her
staggering toward her lover. But she
made only few steps when she sank
down in a swoon. Her mother came
out and carried her back to the house.
Several people put their heads out Of
their doors and windows and, seeing
the young man lying on the ground.
gathered round him and carried him
into the nearest dwelling, where he
died in a few minutes.
1t was the shock Of my life.
burned to see swift retribution meeted
out to the murderer, but there were
only a few peaceable Mexicans in the
town, and 1 knew it was impossible. l
would gladly have left the place at
once, but there was no conveyance ex-
cept my horse, and I did not care to
risk journey at night alone.
1 sat during the evening on the tav-
ern veranda, endeavoring to quiet my
Indignation with tobacco. There was a
half moon in the sky, The air. was
balmy, and perfect quiet reigned. The
people of the town were all indoors.
The desperadoes had drunk so hard that
they were all doubtless in stupor. At
any rate. they made no noise, and
they were still in the saloon. knew
I would not sleep If went to bed, SO
continued to sit where l was, lighting
one cigar from another. At midnight
was still there. The moon was blood
red, just above the horizon and gave
no light. There was faring lamp on
a post in front Of the saloon. which
partly illumined the street.
It was near morning when the men
came out Of the saloon, few at q
time, and staggered past the tavern to
a stable below, where they had put
their horses Presently one went by
alone, whom. though the light was dim,
recognized as the murderer. He had
scarcely passed the tavern when saw
a figure-I could not tell II it was man
or woman-emerge from behind a
house opposite and scvd along behind
him, keeping so far as possible In
shadow.
Curiosity got the better Of me, and I
followed the man and his shadower.
The former-I did not see the latter
was drawing near the stable, when I
heard a soft voice call:
"Signor"
The man paused and turned. What
light there was shone directly on his
face. l can see that face now, brutal
bloated, with a background Of long
tousled hair and beard falling below
his broad brimmed felt hat. He wore
a shabby coat over a dark blue woolen
shirt. His trousers were tucked in his
boots.
Then I caught a glimpse Of another
figure whom deemed to be the shad-
over. The back was toward me. and
by the silhouette l knew that it was
a woman l could hear her talking to
the man, part in Spanish, part In Eng
lish, but was not near enough to hear
what she said.
Two more men came out OF the
saloon. and the man and the woman
I watched moved into shadow. The
men went on past the place where the
couple had been standing and entered
the stable. By this time the gang be-
gan to lead their horses out and were
making preparations to mount, some
Tightening their saddle girths. some
looking to articles strapped to their
saddles, while others went back to the
saloon for a last drink. Half an hour
went by before they were all mounted
and ready to depart. Then heard one
of them ask:
"All here?"
A few minutes later voice said,
"Sam is missing"
"Oh. saw him go off with a gal."
said a voice.
"Well. I reckon he'll come when he
gifts ready"
g Then they all rode away.
I waited till the clatter Of their
horses hoofs had died away in the