Born to be Hanged, But—/Chapter 1
I
I HAD been arrested on the eve of a State election, revolver in hand, a chamber empty, by the body of James H. Thrope, millionaire lumberman and candidate for governor.
I, Don Everhard, was tried, convicted and sentenced to death; which, in California, meant to be hanged.
From the day of my arrest until this, I spoke no word of defense, I offered no explanation and I made no statements.
The time has come when I may tell my story. Here it is: