THE THROW FOR LIFE DEATH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 26, 22 May 1876, Page 2

THE THROW FOR LIFE DEATH.

In " The Familie Magiizyn "we find tlie 1 . following strange story : J "As King William 111. of England, the Stathoklev of the Netherlands, was besieging Nnnmr, sundry soldiers from his army through the want which reigned in the; camp, went marauding, though such 11 transgression of the martial law had been forbidds?'. ?.n pain of death, Most of these marauders were canght by the country people and killed.: Only two of them readied the camp - unscathed, but they were sentenced to death. They were' brave soldiers, 'and the General-in-Chief wanted to stive one of them, and thus commuted the judgment in so far thai they should have to throw at dice for theft life, as was the custom in former times in such cases. Oil the morning appointed for the execution, both the marandera were led to a clmm, in order thereupon to: throw tiie decisive throw, while at a fe\t paces further the fatal pole already siooil erect. Full of painful expectation, a group of officers, the regimental chaplain, and the executioner surrounded the poor feJows. With, a trembling hand one of the men took up the dice, lie threw two .sixes. In the next moment he saw his fellow had also thrown two sixes. The commanding officers were not a little stricken at this strange, occurrence ; but their orders were, precise, and. so they commanded 'both the: men to throw again. This was done ; the dice were cast, and in the throw#oir both of i!:em turned up two rives. The spectators now loudly called out that both should be pavdoiiocl : and the orHeers, to ask for new directions, momentarily put oil' tho execution. They applied to the Courtmartia!, Yihieh ihey found assembled, amiafter a long discussion the disheartening reply was that- the delinquents should try their lot with new dice. Once more bot!i of them cast, and I<> .' each threw two fours. " This is the finger of God," gfthl all present. " Tiie officers again submitted the strange case to the Court-martial. This 1 time oven the members of the Court shuddered, and they resolved to leave the decision to ihe General-in-Chief, who was momentarily expected. The Prince of S'ande-isioni came. He cause.'! the fcw<>. Englishman to appear before him, ami they related to him the trying circmit- 5 stances of their desertion. The Prince] listened attentively, and relieved Life poor! culprits with tile welcome pardon, adding:, "It is impossible, in such an uncommon case, not to obey the voice of Divine: Providence."'' ... —-—' I General .Babeoek will not resume' position as President (Grant's private ffctvretary. The President's sons, Frederick and CTlyssss Grant, v. iil be secretaries hereafter The President and Secretary.: Bristow are in thorough accord. Mr; Bristow has no intention of leaving the