The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-09-10

half dead with fright already. See what
you can do towards rcvving him; and
for fee YOU shall have him to morrow
warm from the axe"
Bring him in thcn," replied the sur
geOn, and he descended TO open the door.
The sans.cuIottes dragged in their prison.
er, Who seemed in truth more dead than
alive.
Keep the bird we'll Gagged !" cried they.
1--WE took him from an aristocratc nest;
band leagued for the destruction Of the
Republic"
"Come in and guard him.
"Not so, citizen doctor, We know
YOU well, and can trust you. We leave
the prisoner in your charge, for we have
much business before us tonight. Before
dawn we will take him away-ify YOU have
not in the meantime dused him to death.
Come, lads" :" And shaking the doctor
by the hand, and beckoning to his com.
panions, tie sans-cuo,;es departed.
You deserve the guillotiuc, all Of you"
muttered the doctor; then turning to the
prisoner. he said oncouragipgly-"Do not
despair; it may be in my power 20 save
you. have saved more than one victim
from those bloodhounds. TrOth ifthey
had the least suspicion Of me. ,lwcrc as
my head is worth-but lie; us hope for
the best"
While speaking, he lighted the lamp,
which had been exiinguishcd hy the wind
as lie opsnsd the door. lie turned to
the stranger, and stood MS if struck hy a
thunderboIt. For minutes space the
TWO gazed upon one another; the surge
on's pale face grew paler, and his eyes
glared fiXcdIy, rs on some hidcouS appa-
rihion. 4, length, recovering his Self.pos
session by strong effort, he said with Il
sneer, " have the honor of seeing the
Marquis dc Verneuil!"
Mercy mercy !" gaspcd the priSoScr
lie WAS trembling violently, and drops Of
cold sweat stood on his forehead,
Monsieur le Marquis docs not recog.
mise me" asked the doctor.
The prisoner looked at him earnestly,
and shook his head; rei;eraiing his en-
treaties for compassion.
"Monsieur le Marquis docs not know
me!' repeated the surgeon in the same
bitter ironical tone. "Ihc great aul no.
hle find it hard to recolIcct the poor; it is
the camail!e that always have such ;Hvc;c-
rate memories"
" For heavens sake, do not mock my
misery" !"implorcd the fallen noble. "You
have said you could save ne"
The surgeon rang n small bell, and a
la D.,
bring wine and refreshments, Thoy were
set on the table; the doctor drew up
chairs, and invited his guest 10 sit down.
he agony OF the prisoner increased every
! moment.
"For Gods sake, have pity upon me ="
"AIl in good time. Est-ycu have
| need Of refreshments"
Let me fly. The darkness of the
nigh, will favor my escape"
"ImpossiLlc! There ara spies about
the door. Ny own servants would he,ray
You. You connat stir hence I'll morning.
You had better cat something
"Oh, fate How can 2"
"Drink, then" The doctor poured
out cup OF wine and pushed ii towards
his guest. lie did not touch it, but stood
shivering with terror. A pause ensued.
Save me! save me !" again faltvred
he,
"Monsieur lie Marquis" said the doctor
driIy, 'seesas TO have very great fear Of
death !"
The prisoner renewed his applications
The surgeon heSitated. At length he
said, "l know Of bu; one way to help
you" The prisoner was breathless.--
You are aware" continued the doctor,
sethat | am An anGtomist. From what
the saus.calIotcs said, you must have
kown that they sse in the habit Of bring.
ing me bodies from the guillotine for dis.
! sec,icn> They do it ont Of friendship, for
they think me an excellent citizen. You
need aot shudder, | have, as before
! mentioned, saved several who were brought
! TO mo alive-and yet, thanks 10 Maret,
with whom | am intimate, have never
been in want Of fresh bodies. have Just
now one in the house. But | cannot pass
him off for you, NJ. lc Marquis, becase he
is short and s,oat, snd lacks the symmetry
Of proportion for which you are remarks
BILE. Besides,h ,he has at present no head
These sans cullotcs are not easily deceived.
Unjust deliver you in their hands alive, or
show them your corpse, The only meth
oil see is this /; you must drink a potion
have prepared, which will render you in
sensible, anl apparently dead, till to NOR.
row evening, When my good friends
come for you, will take them to the mar.
ble table where you are laid out like a
corpse"
The prisoner shuddered, but after min
ute said, "lf you save me | assure you
on nay hoAor, your reward shall be prince.
ly."
The doctor turned away his head with
an expression Of disgust.
"When must take the drink 2" asked
bis guest.
Immediately"
"And where shall pass the night Z"
! "As soon as you have drunk the po.