The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-05-13


10 briniiog upon him the punishmsnt cpnse-
qusnt upon their discovery. The repeated
blows and stripes OF the galley sergeant had
the effect Of weakening and breaking down bis
almost ndomirabls spirit. without causing him
10 reinsush the idea offigbt. The desirr OF
liberty increased as its impossibibty became
more obvious. The sixth attempt at escape be.
ing frustrated, be was heavily loaded With
irons, and not permitted to leavs bis cell. This
latter resort took from him oil hope. He ap-
psrsnty sbaudopod the idea Of escspins. aud
in a Zee days vas taken seriously in. II was
the sigh'h day ,ha, he had been in The lnhrm-
ary ~hsn our story commences, aud when Ian
ney was csiled to view his dead body.
Tbs guard now entered and placing the body
upon a sort Of handbarrow carried il into the
smphhhsatrs or dissecting ball. This place
was seldom used. and presented in its sppear-
auae most hideous spectacle. Here and
there lay portions Of human members, half
eaten BY rats, with skulls and bones scattered
Promiscuously in every direction; while al tho
extreme end Of the room an ipcomplsts skeis-
ton was suspended near to an open window,
and tho night wiOd moaning and rafting ts dry
bones one with another, omitted = strange and
unesrhly sound. Accustomed as Lsuuey ws,
to such scenes, the lateuess Of the hour, the
damp and chilly state Of the room. and the fan
tssiic shadows which night throws around
every object tho eye rest, upon, caused at this
time not littls unsssins.s. He hastily pre-
pared his iBstrumeps. approached the table
and uncovered lhs face Of the slave. The
body was divosied OF clothing. II appeared
but the soft, full muscle gave evidence Of one
past tbs prime of manhood. These traces Of
yigor. however, were but rare. The limbs
were 30 covered with scars. knots and slashes,
which had been leh by the galley master. that
Que would he,e though, them composed OF
patches one upon another.
Tho iron mansels still remained fastened to
The right leg. and had made dsep impression.
After regarding sttrniiyely tho appearance Of
the subject, Launey approached the lamp and
took up the disseetins knife. lie then raised
the arm of,ho corpse, but as ke raised il he
faocisd some resistance was made. Astonishe
and terrified ne leaned close TO the body, and
lifted the head up towards the lamp. The
eyelds quivered slightly. He put the lamp
closer. The eyes opened with a wild stare.
Launsy started back. The slave now sssum.
ed . sitting posture. and looked around with
alarm. The young surgeon was mo,ioniess
and dumb with sffrigh'. and knew not what to
think. Quick as lightning. Pierre Cranou slid
down nPon his fee, sud sprsng TO the window.
This was not the first time a slave sought 10
effect his escape by ieienjqg death. Launey
saw through the s,ratagem. He flew towards
Crsnou, and caught him just in lime to pre-
vent his Ieaping out into the yard. The slave
Struggled hard 10 free himself but Lsuney held
him firmly. II was trying momen, for both.
II resulted. however. in the overthrow cf the
slave. for beng snfeeblsd by having no food for
50 long a time, he was soon ovsreoms.
You see,' said Launry, as he placed his
knee ppon the breast ei Crauou, you see il is
useless to attempt flight whilst am at hand
The slave made another effort to release him
self. but he saw he was poweress in the hands
Of Laun.y.
Lot mo 60. IN Gsd's name let me 60 "
implorsd be. What is my escape TO you :
You ar. not my keeper"
Il am your keeper as long a, you are an in
valid. What would be said Of me we're ! to
suffer YOU 10 ssespe!"
No one will be the wiser: besides they do
nothing TO you. Oh, sir, conjure Yen let me
20 let me ssesps from this dreadful place
Suffer me minute. liberty, that may breathe
the fresh air-Iet me 60 ] sn,reN you"
III !, impossible"
Tho slave struggled to get free. but tho sur
s.on held him vigorously.
You stir not without my permission said
he, : don't want it ssd you played the fool
yjih me-
IL wan, ny liberty. I must have it," cried
"Oh God to have suffered so long
usslessIy, TO have remained without food so that
] might get into the inhrmsry, succeeded too
so we'll in fsigning desth-deeei'sd every one.
aud yet all to no purpose my escape almost
certain sod to be thus baked, it is too much
and the convict beat his head sgsiust the wall
oi ths smphlthsatre 10 slterns,e rage and des-
pair.
Why 7" ASKED be, "sre you 50 desirous Of
liberty.
why Ah, you have never been a prison
or, or you would not ask. cannot live here.
I -ish to return to my native bills before | die
to be under the sunny sky Of Msrseilles-fo