"I am innocent." That is not an infrequent
declaration of criminals at the last. The lie is only a blind clinging
to the last possible means of escape, and is the same as the instinct
for self-preservation, a crime swallowed up in guilt.

Johnny Cooper wanted a "good smoke" before he died, and was given it.
Bob Zachary died without fear, and praying forgiveness on his
executioners. Steve Marshland asked to be pardoned because of his youth.
"You should have thought of that before," was the grim reply. He was
adjudged old enough to die, as he had been old enough to kill.

George Shears was one of the gamest of the lot. He seemed indifferent
about it all after his capture, and, when he was told that he was to be
hanged, he remarked that he ought to be glad it was no worse. He was
executed in the barn at a ranch where he was caught, and, conveniences
being few, a ladder was used instead of a box or other drop. He was told
to ascend the latter, and did so without the least hesitation or
evidence of concern. "Gentlemen," said he, "I am not used to this
business, never having been hung before. Shall I jump off or slide off?"
They told him to "jump, of course," and he took this advice. "All right.
Good-by!" he said, and sprang off with unconcern.

Whiskey Bill was not given much chance for last words. He was hung from
horseback, the noose being dropped down from a tree to his neck as he
sat on a horse behind one of the Vigilantes. "Good-by, Bill," was the
remark of the latter, as he spurred his horse and left Bill hanging.

One of the most singular phenomena of these executions was that of Bill
Hunter, who, while hanging by the neck, went through all the motions of
drawing and firing his six-shooter six times. Whether the action was
conscious or unconscious it is impossible to tell.

Bill Bunton resisted arrest and was pugnacious, of course declaring his
innocence. At the last he showed great gameness. He was particular about
the manner in which the knot of the rope was adjusted to his neck,
seeming, as did many of these men, to dread any suffering while hanging.
He asked if he might jump off the platform himself, and was told he
might if he liked. "I care no more for hanging," he explained, "than I
do for taking a drink of water, but I'd like to have my neck broken. I'd
like to have a mountain three hundred feet high to jump off from. Now,
I'll give you the time: One--two--three. Here goes!"

Chapter X

Joseph A.