At the time of conviction and sentence the…

chunk 139 · paragraph 235

found and the testimony of the Mexican maiden. However, the accused has stuck to his story and accused the girl of false- hood. At the last term of court the trial took place, there was practically no defense, and in a few minutes a verdict was given that sealed his doom. At the time of conviction and sentence the prisoner showed no particular excitement, and subsequently in the jail he talked about the matter dispassionately and fearlessly. He claim- ed that instead of abducting the girl he had won her away by love. Pilar was only about 27 years of age, rather short of stature, but fairly good looking, and by no means stupid. The shape of his head indicated a preponderance of animal nature, and one could easily tell that the mental faculties were not likely to be greatly excited by the prospect of disgrace and death, and that physical fear would not come unless at the last moment. He joked with the other prisoners, said he would return in spirit to see them hung, remarked that as a man was not born to live always he had as well die one day as another. He jocularly said he wanted to “go to hell on a black horse.” Early this week he gave up a ( 17 ) game of solitaire long enough to have a talk with Father Girard, but did not show great interest in religious matters.