Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1909-08-04
words to sentences. Suddenly the
smile disappeared, and in Its place
came a hard, almost ferocious expires.

sion.
Steps were heard outside in the
hall 1t was the turnkey. The con-
Wet saw him. SO to speak, with his
ears. coming down the long hall,
broad-shouldered. well-nourished and
self-satisfed. carrying his bunch of
keys in his hand.
What could he want here this time
of the day. when 1t was the rule never
to disturb the convicts? The giant
was literally foaming with fury. Was
he to be punished once more for some
petty violation of the rules? The
keepers always knew how to find
fault in those they did not like
Nearer and nearer came the steps,
and now they stopped outside the
door A thought shot like lightning
through the convict's brain. The
turnkey was alone. Undoubtedly there
was not even guard In the hall dur.
ing the quiet noon hour. Behind the
loose brick in the wall was a sharp
piece of iron. which he had sharpened
during the long months he had been
confined to the cell.
Outside the sun was shining, the
birds were singing and the woods
were green. A key turned in the door.
The turnkey came In, but in the same
moment he fell to the ground as II
struck down by lightning. With ter.
rible force the giant had buried the
sharp instrument in his temple.
The convict did not even look at
his victim. With staring eyes he
sneaked down the hall Every mo.
ment he stopped, listened and looked
around.
He felt nothing but great Joy at
the success of his deed. Now the
road to freedom was open, the prison
door was open, there was no guard
outside.
The giant had now reached the yard.
1t was as II heaven itself had decided
that he should be free man. Near
the wall stood chopping block and
ladder. He placed the ladder on top
Of the block. vaulted over the wall
and let himself fall down on the out
side.
For a moment he laid there abso-
lutely quiet. without moving hand or
foot Had he broken limb in the fall?
No. he felt plainly that he was I'M
hurt. and he had only one thought
to get away.
He jumped to his feet and ran as
fast as his trembling legs would carry
him across fields. over hedges and
fences. until he reached the woods
painting and exhausted.
Completely tired out. he threw him.
self down in the grass under a shady
beech tree. and, half asleep. looked
through the green foliage at the blue
sky and the white clouds beyond.
A sinner to whom the gates Of
heaven had opened could feel no hap
pier than he did.
But only short hour was given
him to enjoy his liberty.
Suddenly he heard noise of many
voices. footsteps and excited signals
He jumped to his feet, picked up 6
heavy branch lying close to him in
the grass, and, brandishing 1t around
his head, he disappeared in the woods
Too many men were following him
however. Five minutes later the giant
Inv bound and gagged on the ground
with rifle bullet in one leg.
He was carried back to the peniten
tiary In triumph,
The inspector stood in his Office be
hind the rail and looked at him
sternly.
The convict, who was now chained
hand and foot, cast down his eyes and
seemed absolutely broken. He mum
bled something to himself which
sounded like an excuse: why did HI
rome?"
A shadow of sincere sorrow came
to the inspectdr's face as he answer