Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-04-29
From Blackwoods Magarins.
The Rescued Criminal.

|
two criminals. who had been hung, for the
purpose of anatomy, and not being able to
find the key of the dissecting room at the
moment the two subjects were brought, he
ordered them TO be deposited in an apartment
contiguous to his bedroom.
During the evening, DIR. B---wroee and
read as usual, previous to his retiring to
rest. The clock had just struck one. and all
the family slept soundly, when all at once
dull sound proceeded from the room contain
! ing the bodies.
Thinking that perhaps the cat might have
been shut up there by mistake, he went to
see what could be the cause OF the unexpeo-
ted noise. What was his astonishment, or
rather his horror, on discovering that the
sack which contained the bodies was asun-
der, 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 i'm
possible that the body could have beon sto-
len. The good doctor felt rather nervous
on remarking this, and was not without an
uneasy sensation that he began to look about
him, when, to his horror and anazement.
perceived the missing body sitting upright
in the corner.
Poor DR.. Bat this unexpected appar-
tion, became transfxed with terror, which
was increased by observing the dead and
sunken eyes of the corps fixed upon him;
whichever way he moved, those dreadful
eyes followed him.
Tho worthy doctor, more dead than alive,
now began to beat quick retreat, without.
however, losing sight Of the object Of his
terror, he retreated step by step, one hand
holding the candle, and 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 fea
lures, added to the lateness Of the hour and
the Stiffness Of the night, seem to conspirs
to-deprive tho poor doctor of the little cour-
age he has left; his strength fails, and tho
candle falls from his hand, ,Nnd the terrible
scene is now in complete darluess;
The good doenr has, however. gained
his apartment, and thrown himself on his
bed. but the fearless spectre has still follow
cd hint has caught him, and seizssehold
of his feet with both hands. At this climax
of terror, the doctor loudly exclaimed
"Whoever you are, leave me"
At this. the spectre let 20 its hold, and
moaned feebly these words:-
"Pity, good hangman! have pity on ne@
The good doctor now discovered the mys-
terry, ane regaincd, by little and little, his
composure. He explained to the criminal
who had so narrowly escaped death, who he
was and prepared to call up some of his
family.
"Do you, then, wish to destroy me!' ex-
! claimed the criminal. IF am discovered
my adventure will become public, and l
shall be brought to the scaffold second fine.
In the name of humanity, save me from
DEATH"
The good doctor then rose and procured
u light, and mufiled his unexpected visitor in
an old dressing gown; and, after having
made him take some restoring cordial, tssti-
fed desire to know what crime had Oroaght
him to the seaflold.
He was a deserter..
Tho good doctor did not well know what
means to employ to save the poor creature.
He could not keep him in his house, and 70
turn him out would be to expose him TO Ger
tain death. The only way. then, was to 60:
him into tho country so, having mado him
dress himselfin some old clothes, which the
kind doctor selected for his wardrobe, he lsft
town early, accompanied by his profsgs,
whom he represented as an assistant In a
difficult ease upon which he had been called
in.
When they had got into the open country,
the wretched creature threw himself at the
feet of his benefactor and liberatcr, to whom
no swore an eternal gratitude and the
generous doctor, having relieved his wants
by small sum Of money, the greatful crea-
ture left him with many blessings ard
prayers for his happiness.
About twelve years after this occurrence
DR., B-had occasion to visit Amsterdam.
Having gone one day to the bank. he was
accosted by well dressed tnan-one vhe
had been pointed out TO him as ono OF the
most opulent merchants Of tho city.
The merchant asked him politely il hs
were DR.. B, of London, and on answer
ing him in the affirmative, pressed him 70
dine at his house; which invitation the wor
thy doctor accepted. On arriving at the
merchants house he was shown into an ele-
giant apartment, where most charming wo-
man and Two lovely children welcomed him
in tho most friendly manner; which reeep.
ton surprised him the more, coming from
persons he had never before met.
After dinner, the merchant. having taken
him into his counting house, seized his hand,
and having pressed Il with friendly warmth,
said to him
"Do you not recollect NOR
"No." said the doctor.
well, then. | remember you well, and
your features will never be obterated from
my memory-tfor to you | owe my life. Do
you not remember the poor deserter! On
leaving you, went to Holland. Writing a
good hand, and being good accountant,
soon obtained situation as clerk in mer-
chants office. My good conduct and zeal
soon gained for me the confidence ofmy en-
ployer and the affection Of his daughter
When he retired business, succeeded him.
and became his son-in-law: but without you,
without your caro-. without your generous
assistance. | should not have lived TO enjoy
so much happisoss. Generous man! consider
henecforth my house, my fortune, and my
self, as wholly yours"
The kind doctor was affected even 70
tears; and both these happy beings partiei-
pated in the most delightful expressions OF
fhoir faalinga which was soon shared by the