Squatter sovereign., 1855-09-18
Sfliistellaneo1s.
Woman's Wit and Love.


'Tis midnight and save the heavy tread
of the sentinel, as he PAGES his accustom-
ed round, all nature sleeps calmly and
peacefully. The prisoner in yonder gloomy
cell is on the morrow to be led forth to die!
and for what +? Money to the amount of
five hundred dollars has been found in his
possession, and this money has been prov
en- to be the property of a man who had
lately mysteriously disappeared, and who
was last seen in company with Louis Mo-
ran. These circumstances, joined to the
facts that Moran's knife found was
full of blood, and that he was very much
confused when he was asked how and
where he had spent the evening of the fifth
of June, caused Moran to be suspected,
arrested and committed to prison. From
the time at which he was thrown into pris-
on, he had steadfastly declared his inno-
cence, and said he received the money
which was found on him from a stranger,
whom he called Lewis, whom he minutely
described. But, to return to the point
whence we started. As the old prison
clock strikes one, IA fairy form fits past
the sentinel, who cries out "Who goes
there 2''
.'It is I, Mary Moranr' was the ready
response.
"Pass on, Mary Moran; the Sheriff
gives you permission to see your husband, y
was the response of the sentinel, as she
passed quickly on. The doors of the pris-
on swung heavily open, and the next mo-
ment Mary Moran was pressed to the bo-
som of her husband.
| Louis, will not forsake thee" said
the weeping girl.
"And is it for me you brave all these
dangerss for me, tlze outcast, the aband-
oned-for HIM who tomorrow must die g.
And Moran bent alook of deep devotion on
the fair girl who stood at his side.
"You shall not, will not die, Louis, for
can and will save thee !" said the affection
Fate girl.
The prisoner shook his head despond-
ingly. But after short puuse he resum-
ed
"Mary, this is no time for trifiing; tell
me. can you indeed save me Ifyou can,
l swear by yon pale moon-by the well
fare of my soul in an endless eternity-by
the first years of our welded lovely all
that is near and dear to me / swear to be
a new man,
"Listen to me, Louis said his wife,
in clear, calm tone, "listen to me you
recollect you said, on your trial, that you
received the money which was found in
your possession from man, called Lewis,
whom you described as tall and slender,
fair complexioned, bright blue eyes, and
dressed in an iron-gray frock coat, white
pantaloons and blue silk neckcloth; you
are to dream that you will see this man,
and l will do the rest"
The jailor tapped at the window and
said, "You were TO stay with you husband
but an hour-it has passed-you must re-
tire y and she passed quickly out.
The gray dawn of the morning was
just appearing, when the jaiIor walked
softly in touched Moran and said, s.Day
has come; prepare to der
"Oh, l had such sweet dreamr' said
Moran, seemingly awaking from deed
sleep.
"What was it e. asked the jailor.
81 dreamed that as was going to the
galiows saw this man, Lewis, who gave
me that accursed money and 1 told you
OF 1t, and that you hung him IN my place."
replied Moran.
Meanwhile the procession was slowly
moving to the gallows, when the TAILOR,
who had taken deep interest in Moran's
dream, slightly touched him.
"There is person answering your de-
scription of Lewis" said he, pointing to the
crowd.
"Yes, by heaven. it is Lewis!' shout
ed Moran.
The stranger instantly fed, but was
pursued and overtaken, and confessed the
crime. Moran Instantly received re-
prieve from the Governor. and left the
country.
The stranger, after lying week in
prison. applied for dismissal, alleging
that she was the wife of Louis Moran. 1t
was indeed she. who had dressed herself
In such a manner as to conform to her hus-
bands description Of Lewis, and thus had
saved her husbands life.