Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-10-14
PLAQUEMINE. PARISH OF OCTOBER H. 1854.
THE RESCUED CRIMINAL.

A great number of persons who know the
celebrated Dr. B-,a professor ofthe College
of Surgeons, have often heard him relate the
following anecdote:-
One day that he had procured the bodies
of two criminals, who had been hung, for the
purpose Of anatomy, not being able to find the
key OF the dissectlng room at the moment the
subjects were brought, he ordered them to be
deposited in au apartment contiguous to his
bedroom.
During the evening DR.. B-wrote and
read as usual previous to retiring to rest. The
clock just struck one, and ali the family slept
soundIy, when all at once. dull sound pro-
ceeded from the room containing the bodies.
Thinking perhaps the cat had been shut up
there BY mistake, he went to see what could
be the cause of the unexpected noise. What
was his astonishment, on rather his horror, on
discovering that the sack which contained the
bodies was torn asunder: and, on going nearer,
ne found that one of The bodies was missing.
The doors and windows had been fastened
with the greatest care, and it appeared impos-
sble'tIiat the body could have been stolen. The
good doctor appeared rather nervous on remrk.
ing this, and it mas not without an uneasy
sensation that he began to look about him,
when to his horror and amazement he perceiv.
ed the missing body sitting upright in corner.
Poor DR.. Bat this unexpected appartion
became transfixed with terror, which was in.
creased by observing the dead and sunken
eyes of the corpse fixed upon him; which ever
way he moved those dreadful eyes still follow
ed him.
The worthy doctor more dead than alive,
now began to beat quick retreat without
however, losing sight of the object ofhis terror;
he retreated step by step, one hand holding the
candle, the other extended in search OF the
door which he at lenght gained; but there was
no escape; the specter had risen and followed
him, whose livid features, added to the lateness
of the hour and the stiffness of the night,
seemed to couspire to deprive the poor doctor
of the little courage he had left; his strength
fails the candle falls from his hand, and the
terrible scene is now in complete darkness.
The good doctor has, however, gained his
apartment, and thrown himself on his bed; but
the fearful specter has still followed hint
has caught him, and seizes hold Of his feet
with both hands. At this climax of terror the
doctor loudly exclaimed, "Whoever you are,
leave mel" At this the specter let 90 its hold,
and moaned feebly those words: "Pity, good
hangman! have pity on mel" The good doctor
now discovered the mystery, and regained by
little and little his composure. lie explained
to the criminal, who had so narrowly escaped
death, who be was, and prepared to call up
some of his family.
DO you then wish to destroy met! exclaimed
the criminal: "IfI am discovered, my adven.
ture will become public, and shall be brought
to the scaffod second time. In the name of
humanity, save me from death!'
The good doctor then rose and procured
light; he mufi1ed his unexpected visitor in an
old dressing gown; and having made him take
some restoring cordial, testified desire to
know what crime had broght him to the scat
fold
He was a deserter.
The good doctor did not we'll know what
means to employ to save the poor creature.
He could no. keep him in his house, and to
turn him out would be to expose him to cer~
tain death. The only way, then was to get
him into the country; so having made him dress
himself in some old clothes, which the kind
doctor selected from his wardrobe, he left town
early, accompanied by his pro,ege. whom he
as an assistant in a 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 Iiberator, to whom he
swore 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 hap
piness.
About twelve years after this occurrence,
DR.. B-had occasion to visit Amsterdam.
Having gone one day to the bank, he was ac.
costed by weli-dressed man-one who had
been pointed out to him as one of the most
opulent merchants Of the city.
The merchant asked him politely if be was
not Doctor R-,of London, and on his
him in the affirmative, pressed him
to dine at his house: which invitation the
worthy doctor accepted. On arriving at the
house, he was shown into an ele-
giant apartment where most charming woman
and two lovely children welcomed him in the
most friendly manner, which reception surpris-
ed him the more, coming from persons he had
never before met. ...
After dinner the merchant having taken him
into his counting room, seized his hand, and
having pressed it with friendly warmth, said to
lim:
do you not recolIect me!"
"No," said the doctor.
swell, then, | remember you well, and your
features will never be obliterated from my
to you owe my life. Do you
not remember the poor deserter! On leaving
you went to Holland Writing good hand
md being good accountant. soon obtained
| situation as clerk in a merchants Office. NY
,ood conduct and zeal soon gained for me the
confidence Of my employer and the affections
# his daughter. When he retired from busi-
less, succeeded him, and became bis son.in-
aw; but without your kindness and care, with.
tut your generous assistance, should not
AVE lived to enjoy SO much happiness. Gen.
'rous man! consider henceforth my house, my
ortnne and myself as wholly yours
The kind doctor was affected even to tears,
md both these happy beings participated in the
nnot doIiOhffn1 ovu.oaoinr ..f fho;. &c~1:n~~