Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-11-04

with the blood of noble victims.
1t was stormy winter night in 1893,
The door of house in the Rue Nicaise
was besieged by party Of sans-cuottes.
who were dragging along with them pris
oner, whom they had seized coming out
of the house of the Prince V.
They knocked loudly at the door. open.
Citizen Rozer! open the door we have a
new subject for you"
A window above was thrown open, and
the figure of man with a lamp in his
hand, was visible. He wore dressing
gown, which the wind blew back from his
meagre limbs; and soed velvet cap, de.
corated with a tri-colored cockade.
"A subject" repeated he with hoarse
voice. "A subject and his head not off,
Not yeti" cried one of the men. "You
must give him quarters for an hour or
two--ti mornings for the guillotne has
had hard work to-day. His turn comes
earliest in the morning--unless he goes off
first by an extra post for he is half dead
with fright already. See what you can
do towards reviving him; and for fee you
shall have him tomorrow warm from the
axe"
Bring him in, then" replied the surgeon,
and he descended to open the door. The
| sans-culottcs dragged in their prisoner.
who seemed, in truth, more dead than
alive.
keep the bird well Gagged" cried they
I'VE took him from an aristocratic nest; a
band leagued for the destruction of the
republic"
Come in, and guard him.
"Not so, citizen doctor! We know you
well, and can trust you. We leave the
prisoner in your charge for we have much
business before us tonight. At dawn we
will take him away--if you have not in
the meantime dosed him to death. Come,
lads' And shaking the doctor by the
hand, and reckoning to his companions.
the sans-culotte departed.
You deserve the guillotine, all Of youl'
muttered the doctor, then turning to the
prisoner, said encouragingly-"Do not de
spair. it may be in my power to save you.
| have saved more than one victim from
those bloodhounds. Troth if they had
the least suspicion of me, 'twcre as much
as my head is worth,--but let US hope
for the best"
While speaking he lighted the lamp.
which had been extngtshed by the wind
as he opened the door. lie turned to the
stranger, and stood as if struck by
thundcrboIt. For a minutes space the two
gazed upon one another: the surgeons pale
face grew paler, and his eyes glared fxcdly,
as on some hideous apparition. At length,
recovering his self. possession by strong
effort, he said with sheer, Il have the
honor of seeing the Marquis de VerneuI?"
Mercy, Mercy gasped the prisoner.
He was trembling violently, and drops of
cold sweat stood on his forehead.
Monsieur lie Marquis does not recognise
me?' asked the doctor.
The prisoner looked at him earnestly.
and shook his head; reiterating his entreat-
les for compassion.
Monsieur lie Marquis does not know
mel" repeated the surgeon in the same bit
ter ironical tone. The great and noble
find it hard to recollect the poor; it is the
canaiUe that always have such inveterate
memories"
For heavens sake do not mock my mis-
ervr' implored the fallen noble. "You
have said you could save me"
The surgeon rang the bell, and servant
appeared, when he ordered him to bring
wine and refreshments. They were set on
the table, the doctor drew up chairs, and
invited his guest to sit down. The agony
of the prisoner increased every moment.
For Gods sake, have pity upon me"
"Al in good time. Eat-you have need
Of refreshment.'
Let me fly. The darkness of the night
will favor my escape
Impossible There are spies about the
door. My own servants would betray
YOU. You cannot stir hence till morning.
You had better eat something
Oh, fate! How can II"
Drink, then" The doctor poured out
cup of wine and pushed it towards his
guest. He did not touch it, but stood shv-
ering with terror. A pause ensued.
Save me! save mel" again faltered he.
Monsieur lie Marquis" said the doctor
drily, "seems 10 have rery great fear OF
DEATH"
The prisoner renewed his applications.
The surgeon hesitated. At length he
said, Il know of but one way to help you"
The prisoner was breathless.
"You are aware" continued the doctor,
shat | am an anatomist. From what the
sans-cuottes said, you must have known.
that they are in the habit of bringing me
bodies from the guillotine for dissection.
They do it out Of friendship, for they think
me an excellent citizen. You need not
shudder. have, as before mentioned,
saved several who were brought TO me
alive-and yet thanks to Marat, with whom
| am intimate, have never been in want of
fresh bodies. | have just now one in the
house. But | cannot pass him off for you,