Arkansas democratic banner., 1851-05-06
The Rescued Criminal.

A great nrmber or persons who Knew the cele brated Dr. B -, professor of the College of Surgeons, have often heard him relate the follow ing anecdote:
 One day he had procured the bodies oftwo crimi- nalS, who had been hung for the purpose Of anato- my: not being able to find the key Of the diSSect- ing room at the moment the two subjects were brought, he ordered them to be deposited in an apartment contiguous to his bed room.
 During the evening Dr. B-- wrote and read as usual previous to retiring to rest. The clock hadiuSt struck one, and all the family slept soandy 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 tosEe what could be the cause of the unexpected noise. What was his that the sack which contained the bodies was torn asunder; and, on going nearer, he found that one of the bodies vas 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 remarking this, and 1t was not without an unusual sensation that he began to look about him, when, to, his horror and amazement, he perceived that the missing body was sitting upright in the corner.
 Poor Dr. B., at this unexpected apparition became trans6xed with terror, which was increased by observing the dead and sunken eyes of the corpse fixed upon hm-which ever way he moved those dreadful eyes still followed him.
 The worthy doctor more dead than alive, now began 10 beat quick retreat, without, however losing sight of the object of his terroF he retreaed sepb by step one hand holding the candle the other extended in search Of the door, which he at length ganed bu. there IS no escape the spectre has risen and followed him, whose ivid feautures, added to the lateness of the hour and the stilnesSs of the night, to eonSpire to deprive the poor doctor of the little courage he has left; his strength fas the candle falls from hS 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 seizes hold of his feet with both hands. At this climax of terror the doctor loudly exclaimed W hoover you are, leave mel At this the spec Ire let go its hold, and moaned feebly these words: Pity, good hangInan! have pity onmeP The doc tor now discovered the mystery, and rogained by little and little his composure, He .plained to who he was, and prepared to call up aome of his family.
 Do you, then, wish to destroy me. exclaimed the criminal. If I am discovered, my adventure will become public and l shall be brought to the scaiToId second time. In the name of humanity, save me from deathF
 The good doctor then rose and procured light; he muffied hts unexpected visitor in an old dress inggown, and having made him take some restor- ing cordial testified desire to know what crime brought him to the scafFold.
 He was deserter.
 The good doctor did not we'll know what means to employ to save the poor creature. He could not keep him in his house, and turn him out would be to expose him 10 certain death. The Only way then, was to get him to the country; so having made him dress himself in some old clothes which the doctor selected from his wardrobe he Jeff town early, accompanied by his protege. whom he represented as an assistant in difficult case 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 hberator, 10 whom he swore an eternal gratitude; and the generous doctor having 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. Having gone one day to the bank, he was accosted by well dressed man--one who had been pointed out to him as one of the most opulent merchants of that city.
 The merchant asked him polite if he were not doctor B-- of London. and on his answering him in the affirmative pressed him to dine al his house. which invitation the worthy doctor accepted. On arriving at the merchants house, he was shown 10 an elegant apartment where most charming wo- man and two lovely children welcomed h m in the most friendly manner; which reception surprised him the more, coming from persons he had never before met
 After dinner the merchant, ha wing taken him into hls counting house, seized his hand, and having pressed it with friendly warmth, said 10 him:
 Do you not recoIlect me ?
 No said the doctor.
 Well, then, remember eeW well, and your features will never be ebliterated from my memory flor to you l owe my life. Do you not remember the tpoor deSerter? On leaving you l went to Holland Whiting good hand and being good accountant, soon obtained situation as clerk m a merchants office. My good conduct and zeal soon gained for me the confidence of my employer and the affections of his daughter. When he re- tired from business. 1 succeeded him, and became his son-in-l law but without you, without your care, without your generous assistance. l should not have lived to enjoy So much happiness. Gen erous man consider hencefouh my honse, my fortune, and myself wholly yours
 The kind docter was affected even to tears and both these happy beings participated in the most delightful expression of their feeling, which we're soon shared by the merchants interesting family, who came to join them.