Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-01-05

of Court, and Downiepale with terror, was CIV
en- to understand that he was about to be'put on
his trial.
A Judge took his seat on the bench; clerk
and public prosecutor sat below; ajury was en-
panelled in front; and witnesses and spectators
stood around. Downie at first set down the
whole affair as joke; but the proceedings
were conducted with such persistent gravity,
that, in spite of himself, he began to believe in
the genuine mission of the awful tribunal. The
clerk read an Indictment, charging him with con-
spring against the liberties of the students; wit
nesses were examined in due form, the public
prosecutor addressed the jury; and the Judge
summed up.
Gentleman" said Downie, "the joke has
been carried far enough-it is getting late, and
my wife and family will be getting anxious about
me. If have been too strict with you in time
past, am sorry for it, and assure you will
take more care in future"
"Gentlemen of the jury" said the Judge, with
out paying the slightest attention to this appeal,
"consider your verdict; and, if you wish to re-
tire, do So"
The jury retired. During their absence the
most profound silence was observed and ex-
cept renewing the solitary candle that burnt be-
side the Judge, there was not the slightest move
ment.
The jury returned, and recorded verdict of
Guilty.
The judge solemnly assumed huge black
cap, and addressed the prisoner.
"Rchard Downe The jury have unanim-
ously found you guilty of conspirng against the
just liberty and immunities of the students of
Marischal College. You have wantonly provo
ked and insulted those inoffensve lieges for
some months,and your punishment will assured
ly be condign. You must prepare for death. In
fifteen minutes the sentence Of the Court will
be carried into effect"
The judge placed his watch on the bench. A
block, an AK, and bag of sawdust were bro't
into the centre Of the room. A figure more
terrible than any that had yet appeared came
forward, and prepared to act the part of doom.
ster.
1t was now past midnight, there was no
sound audible save the ominous ticking of the
judges watch. Downie became more and more
alarmed.
"For any sake gentlemen said the terrified
man, " let me home promise that you never
again shall have cause for complaint"
"Richard Downie, remarked the Judge, 4 you
are vainly wasting the few moments that are left
you on earth. You are in the hands of those
who must have your life. No human power
can save you. Attempt to utter one cry, and
you are seized, and your doom completed be-
fore you can utter another. Every one here pres
ent has sworn solemn oath never to reveal the
proceedings of this night; they are known to
none but ourselves and when the object for
which we have met is accomplished, we shall
disperse unknown to any one. Prepare, then
for death; other five minutes will be allowed
but no more"
The unfortunate man in an agony of deadly
terror raved and shrieked for mercy but the
avengers paid no heed to his cries. His fevered
trembling lips then moved as if in silent prayer
for he felt that the brief space between him and
eternity was but as few more tickings of that
omnous watch.
"Now !" exclaimed the judge
Four persons stepped forward and seized
Downie, on whose features cod clammy sweat
had burst forth. They barred his neck, and made
him knee before the block
"Strike !" exclaimed the Judge.
The executioner struck the axe on the floor
an assistant on the opposite side lifted at the
same moment a wet towel, and struck it across
the neck of the recumbent criminal. A loud
laugh announced that the joke had at last come
to an end.
But Downie responded not to the uproarious
merriment-they laughed again-but still he
moved not-they lifted him, and Downie was
dead
Fright had killed him as effectually as if the
ak of real headsman had severed his head from
his body.
1t was tragedy to all. The medical students
tried to open a vein, but it all was over and
the conspirators had now to bethink themselves
of safety They now in reality swore an oath
among themselves; and the affriphted Young