The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-09-02

Maniac.
slow, crafty, cowarGly, the savage in
his perverted nature becoming more
and more manifest. 1t was more beast
than man hat finally crept forward on
a%lEfours, the eyes cleaning cruel as a
cats in the night. Within a yard OF
the peacefully s~lumbering man he
rose VI. crouching on his toes and
bending stealthily forward, possibly
feeling the close proximity of that hor-
rible presence. Then the maniac ook
one more stealthy, slouching step
nearer, and flung himself at the ex-
posed throat, uttering a fierce snarl as
his fingers clutched the soft flesh.
Hampton awoke, gasping and choking,
to find those mad eyes glaring into
his own, those murderous hands throt-
Ting him with the strength of mad
ness.
At first the stupefied, half-awakened
man struggled as if in delirium, scarce
ly realizing the danger. He was
aware of suffering, of horror, of suf-
location. Then the brain flashed into
life, and he grappled fiercely with his
dread antagonist Murphy snapped
like a mad dog, his lips snarlfng
curses; but Hampton fought silently,
desperately, his brain clearing as he
succeeded in wrenching those claws
from his lacerated throat, and forced
his way up on to one knee. He worked
his way, inch by inch, to his feet, his
slender figure rigid as steel and closed
in upon the other, but Murphy writhed
out of his grasp, as a snake might.
The younger man realized now to the
full his peril, and his hand slipped
down to the gun upon his hip. Their
was a sudden CLINT in the faint star
light as he struck, and the tunn
maniac went down %quivering, and lay
motionless on the hard ground. With
the quick decision of one long accus-
toned to meet emergencies, Hampton
unbuckled the lariat from one of the
led animals and bound Murphy's hands
and limbs securely.
As he worked he thought rapidly.
He eomprehended the extreme des-
peration of their present situation.
While the revolver blow might possi-
bly, restore Murphy to a degree of sam
ity, it was far more probable that he
would awaken violent. Yet he could
not deliberately leave this man to
meet a fate of horror in the wilder
ness. That which would have been
quickly decided had he been alone be-
came a most serious problem when
considered in connection with the in
sane, helpless scout. Then, there were
the dispatchesi They must be of vital
Importance to have required the send
ing of Murphy forth OF so dangerous
q ride; other lives. ay. the result of
the entire campaign might depend
upon their early delivery. Hampton
had been a soldier, the spirit of the
service was still with him, and that
thought brought him to final decision.
Unless they were halted by Sioux bull
lets, they would push on toward the
Big Horn and Custer should nave the
papers.
He knelt down beside Murphy, IN
buckled the leather dispatch bag, and
rebuckled it across his own shoulder.
Then he set to work to revive he
PROSTATE man. The eyes, when open
ed. stared up at him. wild n glaring;
the ugly face bore the expression of
abtect fear. The man was no longer
violent; he had become a child, fright
ened 1T the dark.
Securely strapping Murphy to his
saddle and packing all their remain
ing store Of provisions upon n horse,
leaving the other to follow or remain
behind as 1t pleased. he advanced d.
rectly into the hills, steering by aid
of the stars. his left hand ever on
Murphy's bride rein. his low voice OF
approximation seeking to calm the 9th