Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-12-25

meadows of the Carson, ana mere MIS-.
Udolf was seized with the cholera. ln
few hours she was dead, and we left
her body in deep grave upon the banks
of the Sweet water.
'Rawne and | now took the control OF
the party, and dismissing the other men
who had accompanied the train, with the
orphan boy and.the property we contin-
ued our route to California.
sand now for the first time came over
me the thought that might enrich my
self at the expense of the boy, but l had
no thought OF destroying him, for little
Charley grew everJ lay il our affec-
tions.
we found nearly $4,000 in Udolfs
wagon; and upon reaching Sacramento
we sold the wagons, teams and cattle :cr
$4,000 more-all of course the property
of the orphan boy.
The desire to possess this money now
haunted me day and night. We had
been residing in Sacramento city about
three weeks, when one day, as though by
way Of a joke, I proposed to Rawne de-
serting the boy and taking the property.
There is better way than that replied
Rawne for in that case the boy might
tell on US Thinking that | had in my
companion a ready accomplice, at once
divulged to him a plan had formed for
numbering the boy, and it was thus we
carried it out:
Under pretence of a trip down the
Sacramento river to locate farming lands,
we hired two row boats, and taking with
rs a tent and provisions, we started down
the river, and for the purpose l had in
view, l procured the old anchor duke
ard chain which you see now on the spot
where l was dredging.
'On the second day out we were join
ed by two men, who kept company with
US for several days, camping with US at
night. With these men was huge Eng
lish mastiff, to which our little Udolf be-
came greatly attached, while the affection
manifested by the dog for the child was
truly remarkable. At the earnest en-
treaty OF the boy we purchased the dog,
and on the next day parted company
with its late owners. We had now
reached this little island, and | found my
companion Rawne, ready TO listen to any
method l might suggest for disposing of
little Charley; but he left all the plan
ming to me. And now for the part of
my story that / would to God were
blotted from my memory. | proposed
TO Rawne that towards nightfall he
should drug the boy to stupefaction, and
then when all else was arranged, | would
do the rest. We then put all our most
valuable effects into one boat with the
money, all but about $50 which had in
my pocket.
1T was agreed that when night came
/ should leave the camp, taking the mas
tiff with me; that the moons rising
should be the signal for my return, and
for Rawne's departure with the treasure
boat to the lower part of the island,
where he was to await my arrival, hav-
ing first placed the helpless but not life
less body of the boy, encircled by the
chain, and attached to the old anchor
huke in the bottom of the other boat.
was not to see him place the lad there ;
be was not to see me draw the plugs
from the boat and cut it adrift.
Twilight came. rose to depart, and !
though murderer at heart, | felt a
choking sensation in my throat, and the
great hot tears chased down my cheeks
as l gazed on the utter helplessness OF
my victim. Soon after my departure |
missed the dog he had probably return
ed to the camping ground. AT length
the moon rose and steeling my heart
against every generous impulse and eve
ry touch of pity, Ihastened back. Raw
ne had departed, leaving every thing
ready. l approached the waters edge
laid my hand upon the boat, and could
distinctly h ar the half suppressed
breathings of the child as be lay wrap
ped in blankets. | waded as far as ]
could towards deep water, drew the
plugs, held to the boat By short line,
Eeard low gurgling groan, and the wa
tes closed over il.
Returning to the shore, I went to the
appointed place of meeting, when Judge
of my rage and disappointment, found
Rawne was not there,--he bad gone'
taking boat, money, valuable, and dog
all with him,-all snatched from me
when almost in my grasp,-left me with
out the means of escape from this fear
full place; but what was worse, was
alone with no covering but the angry