Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1859-01-29
OR, TIE FoURFoLD DREAM.

If there be no city called Hippors-
ford among the north western towns Of
England, let it be there, whittier |
went i've years ago to sec the Italian
hung. The name under which he suf-
tercd was supposed to be feigned
one; tho crime which he expiatcd was
that Of murder; the staying of his mas
ter and hisb enefactor, as he slept, for
the taking of sum Of money which,
in all probability, be might have had
for the asking. One of those atroci-
ties, to give reason for which battles
the student of human nature. The de-
tense set up for Mavoranci was that of
insanity there being no doubt what
ever, as to his having committed the
deed; but his plea, was, in my opinion,
very properly set aside. His advocate
mine; and it was through the interest,"
morbid and eprehensible, am well
sware-vith which he had inspired me
in the unhappy criminal, that | found
myself among that crowd in front of
Hippesford Jail | heard something
going on near me, a little too jocose for
the occasion.
"You cruel-hearted rufian, If you
dare to mock the poor wretch like that
again. cried deep, low voice, " I'll
save Mr. Calcraft some trouble in your
case"
The speaker was fine, powerfully
built sailor, towering by half head
above the throng; and, under his flash
ing eyes and threatening brows, the
fellow who had provoked his wrath
subsidized at once into mutterings, and
presently into sullen silence. Having
achieved this end he made no further
observation, but kept his looks intenty
fixed upon the ghastly preparations
above us. He alone, amidst the hum
and noise of the crowd, maintained an
inyiolable silence, and strained his eyes
upon the scaffold above, as though he
would have numbered every nail III it
the extreme anxiety of his face was re-
markable, even amongst those thous-
and eager and expectant countenances.
Not caring to look upon the dreadful
sight directly, | watched that face
when the death-bell began to toll, as
though it were a mirror, feeling sure
that should see reflected in it what
ever was happening. It was burning
and qulverlng with excitement, when
the wretched criminal was carried up
by three or four persons into view
immediately after he came in sight,
this fixed expression vanished as COM
pletely as though a curtain had been
drawn over some picture; and as the
sailor cast his looks upon the ground,
heard him mutter, in solemn whisper,
his thanks to Heaven.
As the sailor and | were borne along
together by the resistless human tide, |
said to him, secure Of sympathy, 'sThis
is sad sight, my friend, is it not?"
'sYes, sir" said he, "a terrible sight,
indeed; but it might have been worse. y
ssHow so?" said |.
"Well, it's long story he replied,
'but if you like to listen to it, and to
take cup of tea with me (of which ]
feel the needy at my lodgings, l shall
be pleased enough. 1t will be relie1
to me, feel, to tell it even to strang
err
So we went up into little room
overlooking the scene, and which had
been let (as had been agreed upor
when he took the apartment,) through
out that morning to party of FIVE gen
tlemen C) and lady CD who had only