Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26
MISCELL A n Y.
FROM "B1AcKwooD's LApr's MAGAZINE.
THE RESCUED CRIMINAL.

A great number of persons who know the ceie-
rbrated Dr.. B., professor Of the College OF
SURGEONS have often heard him relate the follow
inc anecdote -
One day that he had procured the bodies oftwo
criminals who had been hung, for the purpose OF
anatomy not being able to find the key OF the dis
sectinq-room at the moment the two subjects were
brought, he ordered them to be deposited in an a.
partment contiguous to his bedroom.
During the evening DR.. B wrote and read
as usual previous to retiring to rest Inc CLOCK
had lust Struck one, and all the family slept sound
", when all at once, dull sound proceeded from
the room containing the bodies.
Thinking that perhaps the cat had been shut up
there by mistake, he went to see what could be the
cause Of the unexpected noise. What was his as
tonishment or rather his horror, on discovering
that the sack which contained the bodies was torn
asunder; and, on going nearer, he found that one
of the bodies was missing
The doors and windows had been fastened with
the greatest care, and it appeared Impossible
that the body could have been stolen. The good
doctor appeared rather nervous on remarllng this,
and it was not without uneasy sensation that he
began to look about him, when to his horror and
amazement, he perceived the missing body sitting
upright in q corner.
Poor DIR. B, at this unexpected apparitlon,
became transfxed with terror, which was lncreas-
ed bv observing the dead and sunken eyes OF the
corpse fixed upon him; whichever way ne moved
those dreadful eyes still followed him.
The worthy doctor, more dead than alive, now
began to beat a quick retreat, without however,
losing sight of the object of his terror he retreated
step by step, one hand holding the candle, the 9th
or extended in search Of the door, which he at
length gained but there is no escape, the spectre
has risen and followed him, whose llvld features,
added to the lateness of the hour and stiffness OF
the night seem to conspire to deprive the poor doc
tor of the little courage he has left; his strength
fails, the candle falls from his hand and the terri
Bile scene is now in complete darkness.
The good doctor has, however, gained his apart
ment and thrown himselfon his bed but the fear
full spectre has still followed hint has caught
him and seizes hold of his feet with both hands.
AT this climax of terror the doctor loudly exclaim-
ed, s'Whoever YOU are leave me !" At this the
spectre let 90 its hold, and moaned feebly these
words; "Pity, good hangmau have pity on me r'
The Good doctor now discovered the mystery, and
rerained by little and little his composure. He
explained to the criminal who had so narrowly es-
capped DEATH who he was, and prepared to call ur
some of his family.
sDo YOU, then, wish to destroy me - exclaimed
the criminal. ''If am discovered, my adventure
will become public, and shall be brought to the
scattold q second time. In the name ol humanity
save me from death
The good doctor then rose and procured light
he mufled his unexpected visitor in an old dres
sing-gown; and having made him take some re-
storing cordial, testified a desire to know Wha
crime had brought him to the scaffold.
He was deserter.
The good doctor did not well know what mean:
TO employ to save the poor creature. He could moi
keep him in his house, and to turn him out would
be TO expose him to certain death. The only way
then, was to get him into the country; SO having
made him dress himself in some old clothes which
the kind doctor selected from his wardrobe, he lef
town early accompanied by his Protege, whom ht
represented as an assistant in difficult case upor
which he had been called IN.
When they had got into the open country th'
wretched creature threw himself at the feet OF HI
benefactor and iherator to whom he swore eterna
gratitude and the generous doctor having relieved
his wants by small sum Of money, the grateful
creature left him with many blessings and prayer
for his happiness