Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1842-12-10
CHAPTER VII.

| About three months after the eXecu-
ton of Blake, the Judge who presided at
the trial received note from a prisoner
under sentence of death, requesting TO
see him without delay, as his sentence
was to be carried into effect on the day
following On his way thilher, he over
took an old man, walking slowly along the
road. on accosting whom he recognized
him to be Caleb Grayson, who had been
witness at Blake's trial. The old man
had received note similar TO his own;
ana was going TO the same place, though
he was equally at loss to know the mean
iuq of the summons. They both entered
the cell together.
The prisoner MAS seated at wooden
table, with a sma lamp in front OF NM
his forehead leaning on his hand, which
shaded his eyes from the light. lie was
tall, gaunt man, with dark sunken eyes,
and unshorn beard, and hollow cheeks
lie looked like one worn down by suffering
and disease; yet one whom neither dis
ease nor suffering could conquer, and I"
whom remorse was unknown. lie did n
move when his vsiters entered, other"i
than TO raise his he ID. As he did 50 Gr
son recognized at a glance the stranger
whom he had seen at the tavern the night
before Blake's execution, and at The gal
lows.
"Well, Judge, said he,os soon as he saw
who they were, ST sent for YOU, TO see if
you can't get me out OF this scrape. Mast
| hang to-morrow!'
The Judge shook his head. "lt's idle to
hope" SAID he, "nothing can prevent your
execution
Gan Applicant might be made to the
higher authorities" said the prisoner.--
"Pardons have come, you know, even on
the scatlod."
"None will come in your case" repIi-
ed the magistrate. sit is needless for me
to dwell on your offence now; bat it was
one that had no palliation, and you may
rest assured that whatever may have &C
Cured in other cases, no pardon will come
in yours. In fact, understand that an APP
pIcation has been made for one, by your
counsel ard has been refused"
The features of the prisoner underwent
no change; nor did the expression of his
face alter IN the least. But after moments
pause, he said SIS this true, JUG ge-upon
your honor"
sit is,'' replied the judge.
Then know the worst" repliol The
criminal coIdly, sand will now tell, what
have to communicate, which | would not
have done, while there was hope of es
cape You," said he, turning 10 the jud &c,
"presided at the trial of young!lcnryBIake,
who was accused Of murder,and sentenced
him to DEATH"
81 did"
"And you," said he, turning to Grayson,
"were one of the witnesses against him.
You swore that you saw HIM abWickIffe.
On your testimony, principally, he was
hung"
81 was" replied the old man; 81 saw
him with my own eyes"
The prisoner uttered low sneering
laugh, as he said, tnrnng 10 the Judge:
"You, sir, sentenced an innocent
man"
Sand YOU" said he, turning TO the other,
"swore to a falsehood. Harry Blake did
not kill Wlcklitfc. He was innocent of the
sin of murder as you were-morc innno.
cent than you are now D."
The old man staggered as if he had been
struck, and leaned against the table to
support himself, whilst the condemned fell
on stood opposite him, looking at him with
Il cold indifferent air.
"Yes, old man," said he sternIy, "you
have blood and perjury on your soul, for
|, |, said he, stepping forward, so that the
light Of the lamp fell strongly upon his
savage features, 81 murder red William
WIckiiffe! did it! Thank God, Ibid it,
for had long score TO settle with him.
But Blake had no hand in it. met Wick.
life on that afternoon, alone-with none
to interfere between us. | told him of the
Injuries he had done Inc, and | told him
that the time was come for redress. He
endeavored to escape; but followed him
up; | grappled with him, and stabbed him.
As did SO, heard the catter of horse 5 |
hoofs, and | leaped into clump of bush.
es which grew at The roadside At ,ha,
moment Blake came up, and found Wick .
life lying dead in the road. You know
the rest. The tale he told was true as
the Gospel. He was only attempting 10
draw the knife from the mans breast when
you came up and charged him with the
murder!
"Good God! Can this be possible?"
calculated the old man. at cannot! Vii.
lain, you are llar!"
"Pshaw!" muttered the man. "What
could gain by lie? Tomorrow die"
Il don't believe it! don't believe it!''
Grayson, pacing the cell, and
his hands. "God IN mercy grant
t may be ialSe!-that this dreadful SIN