At this moment the slack end of the lazo, that had been passed over the branch and then slung back among the crowd, was instantly seized by a hundred hands. The condemned man seemed not to notice the movement, while, in answer to my question, the malignant expression upon his features became stronger and deeper.
“Away!” I cried, scarcely conscious of what I said or did, “Away with him!”
Those holding the rope sprang outward from the tree, and up rose Mr Leary.
A few faint kicks, and his body hung motionless from the limb of the live oak.
An empty sardine box was nailed to the tree, on which the murderer was hanging. Above it was pinned a piece of paper—on which were written the words, “For the orphan.”
Many miners stepped up to the spot, opened their purses; and slipped a few dollars’ worth of gold dust into the box.
Their example was followed by Stormy Jack; and from the quantity of yellow dust I saw him drop into the common receptacle, I could tell that his purse must have been three or four ounces lighter, when he came away from the tree!