The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-09-09
MURDER By MISTAKE.

MURDER By MISTAKE.
The following hornely and interesting narrative
is related in one of the English magazines. 1t
proves that dreams are not always to be disregard
ed, and shows that there is sometimes a remarks.
bly,sympathetic connection between ones sleeping
ideas and the wakeful motives of others.
give and twenty years ago, as was returning
home one evening from ST. Clare, | was overtakeR
by Storm | was on horseback; and my horse
alarmed at the hail and lightning, became restive.
and refused to GO step IN advance. Idism0unted,
and taking the reins, attempted to urge him for
ward, when fortunately perceived lights ahead
proceeded towards them and at length reached a
miserable hovel. Upon raising the latch. Disco
vered a man and woman covering over wretched
fire, employed in weaving baskets. s'Good even
ing to you, my friends, | said in dialect of the
country; but sorry weather this" The worthy dem
izens of the hut cast on me looks of anything but
gracious; however, that caused me but little con-
cern. | asked them to make little room by
their fire. assuring them was willing TO meet any
expense might incur, and proceeded to throw
heap OF fasots on the embers, without the sghtest
ceremony "Do you take us for inn keepersan in
guired the female, in shrill, angry tone. / took
out my purse and gave her FIVE franc piece
The sight of the coin mollifed her at once
"Ah p said the horrd old witch, Il see you are a
good gentleman and kind and she resumed her
task. The storm, however, ragged with undated
violence. The gale threatened to carry away the
hovel, and my horse stood neighing and paving the
ground under the shed where had fastened him.
1t idle to think of venturng forth, yeti could
scarcely reckon upon finding sleeping apartment
in that miserable abode
well SIR said the woman, sit would be sad
thing to 60 beyond the doors such night as
this We arebut poor folks, and have no bed wor-
thy of such fine gentlemen; but II you don't
mind going up there, (pointing to a ladder and a
kind of garrett at any rate you will be able to
keep yourself dry"
Somehow the womans looks did me- please me at
all. However, there was no help for 1t, besides
was fresh from the army, and milk sop; ..od a
climbed up accordingly, and gained my E,ft forth
with. then stretched my cloak on :. me worm eat
en- boards that composed the fl or anJ IN snte Of
storm and wind, was soon st ssIss a'' - 'f'' "
Strange enough, but oad searceiy fot,sr o.,o.v,
when mus, neeos set about dreaming Imagined
mysen shusi seated in this very chimney corner.
Sar %. 'ne sfl of my heart at my side when on sud-
perceived sursing high above her head a
face most grizzly 20 behold Itwas the same that
graced my gentle hostess of the howell She had n
hafchet In her hand and made as though TO strike
me. strove to rise and take flight, but in vain
my limbs refused their Office. On my examining
them more closely, discovered they were severed
at the Joint.
The change thus suddenly wrought in them, had
the effect OF arousng me from my slumber, and dis-
pelling the fearful vision AT any rate, wake up
| did and found myself still in tne garrett with my
head pllowed on my cloak bent my head to listen
| if could hear aught but save the howliHg of the
| storm, all was silent. Some how other could
fGyselI impression OccaSiOned
| by my dream. 1t struck me to indulge in a peep
| through one OF the many ehinks of rotten worm
eaten floor, and accordingly proceeded to take an
observation of things that might be passing below
| The man and his wife were sti bending over the
| fire. butthey had discontinued their work. aud were
| cOnversing in whispers.
Il tell you, there's more coin in that purse thar
you could earn during the rest of your lifetime,'
| said the female.
| well, what then r. said the man.
"What then. Why, take it to be sure Catch
tight hold OF his legs, and mind the rest of him fol-
lows them; then pitch hrl down the hole, and leave
| the rest to me- showing masons rnallet in her
| hand.
| "And when that's done, what's to become of hinr
| next.' inquired her husband.
'Wel lay him down somewhere on the road.
and folks win think that he was killed by fall from
his horse" aud as she spoke she extiauished sort
OF nondescrpt lamp used by the peasantry in those
| parts.
The fire was long since out, so l could zee no.
thing. They continued to whisper, but in such low
tones az TO be utterly inaudible trust am not q
greater coward than my negabors still own fels
! very much the reverse of comfortable, for be m~
| remembered that had not single offensive weap-
| on about me- For moment considered the NO
| ton of jumping down the trap door, and clearing
the ladder at single spring; but said ladder was
! verr ricke'. and had missed my footing, Hcayen-
alone can tell what would have been .ae result
Moreover had but brief time for reelection, for
| suddenly felt slight vibration at tho trap door,
| which made me siudder from head TO foot
| The man was climbing the ladder and eacI, rounT
| as he mounted. creaked beneath his weight Bv
this time had succeeded In raising myself noise
essly on my knees at the edge OF the tran dcor
With thick beating heart and eye, ear and Ii,nl,
to their utmost tensioh there waited in an agony
OF apprehension. Suddenly, amid the darkness,
form appeared before me- and felt its hand In con-
tact with my person. | sprang to my feet. clutched
the individual by the throat and hurled him back
wards His foot slipped, and he fell heavily from
the ladder
4 have him safe y exclaimed the woman and
AZ the same timef heard the sound OF haevy blow.
then piercing shrek, followed by another blow,
and then nought gave the howlng blast and pat
tering rain. With her own hands she had slain her
husband
hadn't nerve enough to descend the ladder
what with the woman and the body Of the mar
dcred lasn, was fHirly taken hack. II occurred
to me that perhaps might be able TO work my wsy
Cut through the roof and 80 ! did | found my
horse t,he place where rkad made him fast and
proceeded forthwith TO tell my story to the autheri
ties. The female was brought 20 trial and sentenced
10 death; and as n those days there was no sach
things as circumstances IL attenuation. she wsa
duly executed.