Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-02-19

the circumstances connected with this |
singular individual, and having also read
the account of the trial and conviction of
the men, as he thought upon insufficient
evidence, he made a journey on purpose
to see the man Richard, and elict, if pos
sible something from him. Undoubtedly
it was through the influence of Mr.. Price
that Mr.. Smith took the course he did ;;
for the more he thought upon the strange
disappearance Of Colvin in Vermont and
the sudden appearance Of this man in
New Jersey, and his mysterious conduct
since, and coupled that with the scar up
on his head, he determined to act, per-
haps to save the life of an innocent man
at all events, to satisfy himself, that he
had not been criminally negligent in per-
mitting man to be executed whom he
could save. But how was he to carry
this plan into execution This was,
without letting another party into the Sc
cret, so as to bring ridicule on himself, if
he was mistaken in his supposition, to take
Richard 10 Manchester, and see, if any
one there, particularly his wife, would
recognize him after seven years alb
sence, changed as he undoubtedly was in
his appearance. Our philanthropist, was
convinced from all that e'could get out
of Richard that it would not do to make
any direct proposition to him upon the
subject, but the more thought upon the
matter the more determined he was to
act. and there was no time to lose, as only
three weeks now remained to the con-
demned man. We forgot what stratagem
was used to induce the deranged man to
make an unwonted journey: though we
are impressed with the opinion it was to
purchase an addition to the farm, which
he had long desired, that he consented to
make journey by male stage-there
were no railroads forty years ago-travel-
ing day and night into some unknown re-
gion, without exciting suspicion that their
ultimate determination was plan con-
cerning which he never would hold any
conversation.
In the meantime, the discussion of tht
innocent or guilt of the man about 20 be
hung had broken out afresh as he hat
recanted his confession, and insisted tha
it lad been obtained by false pretenses
and that he was innocent. Besides, h,
had had a dream, three times repeated
that Colvin was alive, and would max,
his appearance, though, he said, not unit
after he was hung"
During this state Of things there was
crowd at the public house in Manches
ter, discussing this topic, one evening
when the stage drove up. Among til
crowd which always gathers around th
door when the stage arrives at a villag
= inn was a man who had rather frml
5 maintained that Bovine was guilty unit
g the dream came out but, being a . be
:, lever in Dreams" his faith was staggel
ed and he said he "didn't know about it.
{ The stage driver reined up at the doc
: and the lantern of the ostler opened th
T. blaze of tallow candle full in the face
Il of the passengers as they alighted. NJ
9 Smith alighted without exciting any r,
l. mark. Not so his companion. 1t W;
d an anxions moment for Mr.. Smith, f
there was the spot where his suspicion
W were to be proved true and his hopes
m save the life of an innocent man gratift
( or forever crushed. He said to Richa
ut as he got out, 'come, let us hurry and g
ed supper before the stage starts"
a Richard got out, the light fell full in |
as face, binding his vision, but enabling t
us crowd to see him to advantage. He W
eh startled at a vociferation of the individ
Id al who had been troubled about t
ly dream, who exclaimed, $50 help me GC
r but there is Richard Colvin." Twen
lg other men were present to confirm the I
nd sertion, and in the next minute the WHIT
ng town might have been there to add cont
'al nation, for shout after shout pealed {
nd upon the night air" Colvin has com
ne The doomed man in The cell listened t
ne wild commotion in the world outside
no world that he expected so soon to look |
m, on for the last time-the bells were ril
1t ing-shouts grew louder and approach
a the prison-and now the brass field pit
'er gives its notes to the general din.
ed listens. What can it mean? :? The Gro
er. are coming. The cannon is at the do
nd There is an alteration with the jail
oil The crowd demand the instant rele
adj of the prisoner. The jailor objects. &C
es, tain forms are to be gone through "
yer to open the door now would not be
On cal" " No matter" the crowd repl
md % for form. Stand aside, or we will ap