The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-09-21

sing on when the grand inquisitor gave dir
ections and other officers hastened TO the
assistance Of the two who had led Anime for
ward and proceeded to disengage her from
Philips arms. The struggle was severe.
Philip appeared to be endowed with the
strength Of twenty men; and it was
some minutes before they could sepa-
late them, and when they had done so, his
struggles were dreadful.
Anime, also, held by two of the familiars,
shrieked as she attempted once more, but
in vain, to rush into her husbands arms
AT last, by tremendous effort, Philip re-
leased, he sunk down helpless of the pave
ment: the exertion had caused Of bursting of
blood vessel and he lay without motion.
Oh God Oh God! they have killed him
-monsters-mutderers- me embrace
him but once more," cried Anime GranticaI-
ly.
A priest now stepped forward-it was
idIllSA FAdtuldS-Nllu SOITOW III MS COun-
tenance he desired some of the bystanders
to carry cut Philip Vanderdecken; and Phil
ip, in state Of insensbity, was borne a.
way from the sight of Anime, the blood
streaming from his mouth.
Amine's sentence was read-she heard it
not, her brain was bewildered. She was
led back 10 her seat, and then it was that
all her courage, all her constancy and forti-
tude gave way; and during the remainder of
the ceremony she filled the Cathedral with
her hysterlcal sobbing, all entreaties OF
threats were alike lost upon her.
All was now over except the last and most
tragical scene Of the drama. The oulprits
who had been spared were led back to the
lnquisitor by their god-lathers, and those
who had been sentenced were taken dowr
on the bank of the river to suffer II wa,
on large open space, on the left of the
Custom House, that this ceremony was to
be gone through. AS in the Cathedral, rais-
ed thrones were prepared for the Grand In
qulsitor and the Viceroy, who in state head
ed the procession; followed by an immense
concourse of people Thirteen stakes had
been set up, eight for the living five for the
dead. The executioners were sitting on, or
standing by the piles of wood and faggots,
waiting for their victims. Anime could not
walk; she was at first supported by the ia
miiars, and then carried by them to the
stake which had been assigned for her,
When they put her on her feet opposite to
it, her courage seemed to revive she walk
ed boldly up, folded her arms and leaned a.
gainst it.
The executioners now commenced their
office: the chains were passed around A.
mines body-the wood and faggOts piled
around her. The same preparations had
been made with all the other cLlprits.
The confessors stood by the side of each
victim, Anime waved her hand Indignantly
to those who approached her, when Father
Matthias almost breathless made his appear
ance from the crowd, through which he had
forced his way.
Anime Vanderdecken-unhappy wo-
man had you been counseled by me this
would not have been. Now it is too late,
but not too late 10 save your soul. Away
then with this obstinacy-this hardness of
heart: call upon the blessed Saviour that he
may receive your spirit-call upon his
wounds for mercy. 1t is the eleventh hour,
but not too late. Anime" continued the
old man with tears, Il implore l conure
you. At least may this load of trouble be
taken from my heart"
Unhappy woman, you say9" replied
she say rather unhappy priest, for Amine's
snferings will be over while you must still
endure the torments of the damned. I'm
happy was the day when my husband res
cued you from death. Still more unhappy
the compassion which promted him 10 offer
you an ASYLUM and refuge, and received
you into his family. Unhappy the knowl-