Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-07-15
CHAPTER II.
THE BEGINNING or THE END.

Ten years have passed in crime and de-
bauchery by Waterson followed step by
step by the indefatigable James, who
haunted him like a spectre. Wherever Wa
terson went, there you might look for James
assuming different DISCUSSES. sometimes
career Of crime, urging him on TO some fresh
deed OF guilt, informing his employers OF his
real character, who would then send him
forth to steal or slarve, procuring evidence
against him whenever it was his misfortune
to be arrested, taunting him in prison, insul-
ting him in crowds. master of him 10 so ma
ny pugilistic combats that he shrunk from
her like a coward as he was, the bane of his
existence, taunting fend, he made his life
a living hell. And all this time Waterson
knew him not, and never by the most distant
hint did he allude to the cause of his enmty
or give Waterson clue to the name or char
acter of his tormentor. But the living voice
Of conscience was enough to keep him ever
mindful oil his first crime, and of the terrible
doom that lie felt sure was TO follow. Drink,
drink, was his only solace, till he sunk to
the lowest depths OF degradation, and walow-
ed in the mire and filth, an object to be shun-
ned and loathed, but never pitcd.
In the fall of ls47 | was residing in the
town Of Peru, Miami County Indiana. Wa
terson was then there, having but lately come
from the Penitentiary, without friends, known
as convict, voided, suspected, hated and
feared. Numerous petty depreda.ions had
been committed by him. and it was deemed
best by the Regulators, a regular organized
band Of b 'hoys then existing in that town,
to rid the community ofhs hatred presence.
They assembled one Friday evening du-
ring the month of October, and proceeded in
search of Waterson, who was found at the
canal lock about half mile above town. A
rope with a slip-knot in il was thrown over
his head, which he instantly threw off, and
sprung for large stone. Had he secured
this he would undoubtedly have made his
escape al the expense of some human life.
But one OF the Regulators was standing
near the stone armed with club which pro-
trssted him, as he lay at the mercy ofhis cap
tors. After he recovered from the effects OF
the blow, he was bound, dragged TO the ca
nal and immerced number Of times, was
hung by the neck for several minutes, and
then taken down and beaten with a ropes end
until he faithfully promised never again to
make his appearance in Peru. They then
! left him and returned to their respective
/ homes.
i TIC HtAN nV WdS ntdIu VI W ~ VI
places not having lett the town as he had SOL
emnly promised TO do. During the day
day he had insulted very respectable lady
of the place whom he met in a lonely pait
of the town. Towards night another meet
ting of the Regulators was called, and short
ly after dark they assembled, and stationed
themselves at the end Of the long toll-bridge
across the Wabash, waiting for Waterson tc
cross, as he had been last heard Of on the op
posite side Of the river, and il was knowr
that he must cross to get To his lodgings
Eight, nine, ten, eleven o'clock came but nc
Wa,erson. Grouped together The 'Regula
tors were seated upon Pile OF stones. al.
most invisible in the gloom silently awaiting
their victim; but no victim came. Determi
ned TO make one last search they crossed the
bridge. and found Wateison in the custody
Of man living on the bank Of the river, b,
the name OF Cruston, who bad caught hin
in the act Of stealing horse. lie was throw
down. bound, blindioldet, and marched Il
the river. Pausing on the brink, the follow
log conversation ensued between Watersoi
and one Of the oand:
'Waterson, you solemnly promised, whel
We left you last night. that you would III
this town Of your hatred presence. Yoi
have failed to do this, and iiuow but remain
for us Ia d. our duty. Are you prepared u
dicl