The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-04-03
From Blackwood's Magazine.
THE RESCUED CRIMINAL.

great number Of persons who know the cee-
bratcd DR., b, a professor of the College of
Surge :, have often heard him relate the follow
ing ane lote
One day that he had procured the bodies Of two
criminals, who had been hung, for the purpose of
anatomy, not being able to find the key of the
dissecting room at the moment the two subjects
were brought, he ordered them to he deposited in
an apartment contiguous to his bedroom
Duriag the evening, DR.. B wrote and
read as usual previous to retiring to rest. The
clock had just struck one, and all the family
slept soundly, when all at once dull sound pro-
ceeded 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 Advertisements, rather his horror, on discov-
eriDg that the sack which contained the bodies was
torn asunder, and on going nearer, he found that
one Of the bodies were missing
The doors and windows had been fastened with
the greatest care, and it appeared impossible that
tho Asdy "eold have been stolan The good
doctor felt rather nervous on renarking this, and
1t was not without an uneasy sensation that he
began to look about him, when, TO his horror and
amazement, perceived the missing body sitting
upright in the corner.
ton, became transfxed with terror, which was in
creased by observing the dead and sunken eyes
of the corpse fixed upon him; whichever way
he moved, those dreadful eyes still followed him.
The worthy doctor, more dead than alive, now
began to beat quick retreat, without, however,
losing sight OF the object Of his terror; he re-
treated step by step, one hand holding the candle
the other extended In search of the door, which
he at length gained but there is no escape, the
spectre has risen and followed him, whose livid
features, added to the lateness Of the hour and
the stiffness Of the night, 10 eonspire to de-
prive the poor doctor Of the little courage he has
left his strength fails, the candle falls from his
hand, and the terrible scene is now in complete
darkness
The good doctor has, however, gained his apart
ment, and thrown himself on his bed but the
fearful spectre has still followed him - it has
caught him, and seizes hold of his feet with both
hands. At this climax Of terror, the doctor loudly
exclaimed
Whoever you are, leave mel
At this the spectre let 20 its hold and moaned
feebly these words
Pity good hangman have pity on melp
The good doctor now discovered the mystery,
md regaincd, by little and little his composure
lie explained TO the criminal who had 40 narrow
y escaped death, who he was, and prepared to call
Up some Of his family.
"Do you, then, wish to destroy me2o exclaimed
he criminal. "lfi am discovered, my adventure
viii become public and ! shall be brought to the
cafold the second time In the name Of humani-
y, save me from death y
The good doctor then rose and procured q
light he muiied his uncxp ected visiter in an old
lressing gown; and, having made him take some
restoring cordial, testified desire TO know what
,rime had brought him to the scaffold
He was deserter.
The good doctor did not well know what means
10 employ to save the poor creature He couldnot
keep him in his house and to turn him out would
be to expose him to certain death The only way,
hen, 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
eft town early, accompanied by his proitge, whom
he represented an assistant Ia q difficult case
upon which he had been called in.
When they had got into the open country, the
wretched creature threw himself nj the feet Of his
benefactor and libslator, to whom he swore an
eternal gratitude and the generous doctor, hav-
Ing relieved his wants by small sum of money,
the grateful creature left him. with many blessings
and prayers for his happiness.
About twelve years after this occurrence, DR..
b had occasion to visit Amsterdam. Hav-
ing gone one day TO the bank, he was accosted by
q wel-dressed man-one who had been pointed
ont to him rs one Of the most opulent merchants
Of the city
The merchant asked him politely IL he were
DR.. b. Of London, and on his answering
him In the affirmative, pressed him TO dine at his
house, which invitation the worthy doctor accept
d. On arriving at the merchants house, he was
,hown into An elegant apartment, where most
charming woman and two lovely children welcom-
n him in the most friendly manner which recep-
ion surprised him the more, coming from per-
ons he had never before met
Amer dinner, the merchant, having taken him
INTO his counting house, seized bis hand, and
aving pressed II with friendly warmth, said to
i'm
DO you not recollect me7p
"No,o said the doctor.
Well, then, | remember you well, and your
eatnres will never be obitersted from my memo
y-for to you owe my life. Do you not remem-
er the poor deserter On leaving you, went to
holland. Writing good hand, aud beinga good
| soon obtained situation ms clerk In
merchants office. My good conduct and real
Don gained for me the confidence OF my employer
md the affections Of his daughter When he re-
ired from business, ! succeeded him, and became
lis son-in-law but without you, without yonr
ARE, without your generous assistance, should
lot have lived 10 enjoy 10 much happiness Gen
rous man consider henccforth my house, my
ortune, and myself, as wholly yours"
The kind doctor was affected even to tears;
nd both these happy beings participated In the
,ost delightful expressions oftheir feelings, which
'srs soon shared by the merchants Interesting
'mily, who came to join them.