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

great number Of persons who know the cele-
DRAFTED DR.. b, professor Of the College of
Surgeons, have often heard him relate the follow
ing anecdote
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 &C the moment the two subjects
were brought, he ordered them to he deposited in
IN apartment contiguous TO his bedroom
During the evening, DR.. B wrote and
read as usual, previous TO retiring to rest. The
clock had just struck one, aud all the family
slept soundiy, 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 unex pccted noise What was
his establishment, or rather his horror on discov-
ering 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 hsay could have been stolen The good
doctor felt rather nervous on remarking 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
Poor DR.. B, Mt this unexpected appari-
tion, became trans6xed 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 q 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 livd
features added TO the lateness of the hour and
the stiffness Of the night seem 10 conspire TO de-
prve 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 1t has
caught him, and sezes hold Of his feet with both
hands. At this climax Of terror, the doctor loudly
exclaimed
I" Whoever you are, leave me
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,
and regained, by little and little, bis composure
He explained to the criminal, who had 30 narrow
ly escaped death, who he was and prepared to call
up some Of his family.
"Do you, then, wish TO destroy me exclaimed
the criminal "lfi am discovered, my adventure
will become public, and | shall be brought to the
scafold the second time. In the name Of bumani-
ty, save me from death ~
The good doctor then rose and procured
light he muflled bis unexpected vister In an old
dressing gown and, having made him take some
restoring cordial, testified desire 10 know what
crime had brought him to the scaifold.
He was deserter.
4 I'LL L.
to employ TO save the poor creature. He could not
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
left town early, accompanied by his proftgt, whom
he represented as an assistant Ia difficult case
upon which be had been called in.
When they had got into the open country the
wretched creature threw himself at the feet Of his
benefactor and liberator, 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. IIav-
ing gone Que day TO the bank, he was accosted by
q well-dressed man--one who had been pointed
out 10 him az one of the most opulent merchants
of the city.
The merchant asked him politely II he were
Dr. B Of London, and on his answering
him Ia the affirmative, pressed him TO dine ut his
house; which invitation the worthy doctor accept
ed On arriving at the merchants house, he was
shown into An elegant apartment, where a most
charming woman and two lovely children welcom-
ed him in the most friendly manner which recep-
ton surprised him the more, coming from per-
sons he had never before met.
After dinner, the merchant, having taken him
into his counting house, seized his hand, aud
having pressed 1t with friendly warmth, said to
him
"Do you not recollect me7p
"No,p said the doctor.
Well, then, | remember yon we'll and your
features will never be oblitcrated from my memo
ry-for TO you owe my life Do you not rsmsm-
her the poor deserter7 On leaving you, went TO
Holland. Writing good hand, and beinga good
accountant, soon obtained n situation as clerk In
q merchants office. My good conduct and real
soon gained for me the confidence OF my employer
and the affections OF his daughter When he re-
tired from business, succeeded him, and became
his son-in.law; but without you, without your
care without your generous assistance, should
not have lived TO enjoy 70 muoh happiness. Gen
erous man! consider henceforth my house, my
fortune, and myself ~ wholly yours"
The kind doctor was affected even to tears;
and both these happy beings participated In the
most delightful expressions oftheir feelings which
were soon shared by the merchants interesting
family, who came to join them.