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tall and freckled country boy strolled down the road one
day. He looked 'round about him as he let his foot-steps
stray, Into the little grocery store where he leaned
against the wall. Not aware at all was he of the troubles
to befall. "Where ye gain', Lukey?" Grocer Burton did inquire, "Going to the hanging, Sir," Lukas Brown said in reply, "To the square, down by the hanging tree, to see some fellow die." "Did 'nt know about a hanging, son, but this I've got to see. Help me hitch my wagon and you can ride to town with me." This they did and on their way spread the news both far and wide, That someone on the hanging tree that noon was bound to die. People came from far and near this gruesome sight to see. 'Fore nine the square was crowded and the hawkers had a spree. The crowd was making merry but yet each one did ask. The name of this man whose death would come to pass? The Parson came - the crowd was hushed. Said he, "Why are you here?" "We've come to see the hanging - his name we want to hear!" "No knowledge of a hanging has come to me, I say - There is no name- there is no man! The tree is bare today." "Who caused this vicious story?" went up the hue and cry. "We've left our homes and left our work to stand here, idly by!" "Grocer Burton!," shouted someone. "He first spread the word!" "Not I, but Lukey Brown", said he. "That's where first I heard!" "It's Lukey, then, who's robbed us - made bare our hanging tree. Caused us this commotion, there being naught to see. Who's to pay us for our trouble, send us home with sight unseen? By gosh, there'll be a hanging - Lukas Brown is going to swing!" The rope was brought, a noose was tied and Lukey made to stand, Upon the trap, besides that man - that awful hanging man. They loosed his shirt, noosed his neck. Shaking hands were bound. They howled with glee this sight to see. The Parson only frowned. Said the Parson, "Reconsider what you're about to do. To repay those vicious rumors, this hanging shall not do. For if you have this hanging, then his words were not in vain. He said there'd be a hanging, how can he get the blame? So I say release him 'till the charge is fair and
true. To hang him makes him blameless, and that shall
never do. But if you do not hang him then he is guilty of
the crime. It's best you reconsider - and that will take
some time!" Thank you Mr. Neal, for contributing Article submitted 18 Sept 1997 |
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