Hangman Vexed

In determining his fee, a high-grade physician considers his patient and the circumstances of the case. So, too, does the high-grade hangman.

Last week, Hangman Herman Meyers, 60, of New Orleans, La., told the following story to the New Orleans Item-Tribune:

"I talked to the Sheriff on long distance and asked $275 for hanging Mrs. Leboeuf and Dr. Dreher. The Sheriff thought that was too much money. But he finally agreed.

"I took a train for Franklin, La., Friday night. The ticket cost $6 and I had a little money left. I got hungry on the train and had to buy sandwiches, which were entirely too thin to satisfy me. Some one met me in a car and took me to the Criminal Court room. I was told I could sleep there.

"About 2 p.m. Saturday Sheriff Pecot called me on the telephone and said Gov. Long had reprieved the prisoners, and that the hanging was off.

"I had only $1 left, but I was determined to get back to New Orleans and the comforts of my home as quickly as possible. So I borrowed $6 from a jailer and arrived back in New Orleans Saturday forenoon, just in time to read that Gov. Long had withdrawn his reprieve, and that there might be a hanging any way.

"Later Sheriff Pecot sent me enough money to pay my railroad fare both ways. But I've raised my price. If I am to hang Mrs. Leboeuf and Dr. Dreher next Saturday, or any other time, I must get $550 and expenses at Franklin."