Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-01-15


my release does come, don't let them keep me
here a minute longer. I'm very weak and i'll 1
know, and ! can't sit up in bed very we'll, but
shall be able to walk out Of the prison, you may
/ be sure Of that
I Miss NJ ielt certain he could not stand IN
if be tried, but she thought il might be possible
| to remove him, and as she found that in talking
over his arrangements with the doctor and
chaplain, he always said he did not care where he
went, provided only she came 20 see him every
day she set bis mind at rest by promising that she
would place him in a house where she could take
the entire charge Of him herself.
The time drawing very near when his term
OF imprisonment would expire, and the spiritual
change in the once-despairing man became very
remarkable lie was gentle and child-like in his
intercourse with those around him, full Of humble
gratitude for any kindness shown 20 him aud
though at times he had paroxysms of remorse for
his evil lite yet he lost sight Of the unutter-
able Love, 10 which he cung with the hope that IL
would shelter even him. So satisfied was the
chaplain Of the truth aud depth OF his repentance
that he offered to give him the Holy Sacrament
before he left the prison--as there was reason to
fear that his death might be fastened by his remo-
val in his excessively weak state.
10 was a long tune before the prisoner could be-
iieve that he might dare receive so great bes-
sing but when It had been fully explained to him.
he became extremely anxious for it, and looked
forward eagerly TO the holy service lt was de-
the day Of his release.
Tie had been growing rapidly worse, and on
the previous evening, when Miss NJ left him,
it was with great misgvings to the possibility Of
carrying out his ardent wish for removal from the
gaol. She had told him the arrangements she had
made for his reception in a house where she would
watch over him herself so that his mind was quite
at rest on the subject; and in the full assurance
that he would be set at liberty next day, he gave
himself up to the comfort of hearing, quietly and
happily, all that she eond tell him on the one
subject that filled bis whole soul--thu hope of
pardon and eternal peace.
" Tomorrow will be the grandest day of all my
litr,n he said to Miss M, she was leaving
hn. Ii seems too good to be true, that / can
be going to take the Sacramento poor, sinful
wretch like me and then'll come my release y
When Miss NJ reached the gaol next morn
ng, at the hour fixed for the service she told
that the doctor had just left IIi and that he pro-
nounced him to be seriously worse, that all
thought of his leaving the gaol mist be given up,
although the term to which he had been sentenced
was now at an end He unmistakaby dying;
he might iinger some few days where he was,
but the attempt to move him would be fatal at
once.
1t was evident that some suspicion as to the
doctors opinion had found its way into Hills
mind, though the turnkey assured Miss M--that
nothing had been said to him on the subject. The
first words with which he greeted her were an
earnest enueaty that she would see he was remOv-
ed from the gaol as soon IS the service over.
lie was propped up in the bed, his eyes brilliant
with fever, his whole frame quivering with excite
ment
"Mss Nj, you'll see that they let me have
my release to-day, won't youI I'm free by the
law now might have gone out at seven this
morning, II 1 hadn't wanted 10 stay for the Sacra-
ment but you won't let them keep me here after
the chaplain's gomez You'll see as | gets my re-
lease My dear lady, promise as you will.n
She would not deceive him, yet she could not
bear to disappoint the hope of so many dreary
months particularly at moment when she spec-
ally wished his mind 20 be calm for the service in
which he was going to be engaged.
John, you may be sure no one would wish to
keep you here if you able to be moved, and
you must trust that will do the best | can for
you. 1ou do trust mu, do you not?n
- Indeed | well may ma'am, for you've done
me nothing but good since the FIRST day you told
me ! had found friend-such a friend as you've
been TO be sure ~ and his voice ialteTed.
Then, dear John, trust me now, and put all
thoughts out OF your mind except the holy service
in which you are going to join. l will read to
you till the chaplain comesn
lie instantly laid his hands together with
chldlike movement Of meekness and submission,
and remained intensely interested in the solemn
words she was reading till the clergyman came,
followed by one OF the turnkeys, who had wished
10 join in the communion.
prisoner lay his bed with folded hands and
deathlike face, weeping quiet tears of penitence
and thankful hope while in the cold dark cell the
holy rite celebrated which breathes such won
drous promise OF eternal light and life.
The chaplain's voice died away in the last bless
ing and after few minutes of perfect silence they
rose and stood by the prisoners bedside Miss
M was greatly struck by the intense calm of
his expression; all excitement seemed to have
passed away, he lay perfectly still, and his eyes
were fixed on the window at which he had gazed
so long, but with deep and solemn look which
showed that his longing now for the free airs
of eternity, and for the light of that land whose
sunshine is love. lie said not a word of his re-
lease As his friend bent over him and softly whis-
pered that she would leave him quiet now, but
would come to him again in a few hours-he mere
ly pressed her hand and murmured some low words
of thanks.
1t was lovely day in the early summer and as
Miss M felt the odorous breeze sweeping past
her, and saw the glorious beauty of the cloudless
heaven, she seemed 70 sympathlze she had new
er done before with the poor prisoners longing to
exchange the dark walls and cold, damp air OF the
cell for the blessed sight of all this summer radi-
ance. Her heart was full of pitying thoughts for
him. and a faint hope that she might be able to
remove him even yet, as she stood, late
in the afternoon at the gate of the goal.
As soon it was opened she learned that the
order of release had come indeed
- lics taken Tor ucath, INA am, Sald the turn
key, and we were just going to send for you the
doctor thinks he won't live the day out.n
She went up at once to his cell a great change
had taken place--the grey shadow, which once
seen is never forgotten, lay on his calm, solemn
iace-the dark eyes, which were partially covered
by the heavy lids, seemed 20 see nothing earthly,
and hi, whole attitude appeared to imply the re-
pose OF perfect submission.
IS The chaplain has read the last prayers, ma'am,"
said The turnkey "a aud he told US there was moth
ing more to be dona but 10 let him lie quiet till
the end comes perhaps YOU would like to stay
with him.i
' | should, she said, and he left her alone with
The dying man. Miss NJ -- sat down beside him
AMI took his cold hand in hers. Slowly he turned
hs eyes and GNed thom full upon her. continuing
to gaze steadily al her for some minutes. IL was
strange look, so fall OF meaning, OF intense feel
ing, and yct OF solemn awe, which seemed 90
say that he had passed already 20 state OF being
whcrc the slmpathies of earth could touch him no
more She spoke "a few quiet words but he did
MT seem % hear hor and whea he had looked at
ber thus iuteutly tor little time, he as slowly
Withdrew his gaze, aud sort OF lmpenetrable ealm
passrd over him from which no sound or movement
bad power TO rouse him. Ihus for some hours he
lag --ai fiuss a smile such none had ever
ipou his lips within the prison walls, would CLEAN
On his wan face llc would seem TO listen 10 words
which mono but himself could hear, and his lips
would move as II in reply, and then he relapaed
nto perfect calm. Sometimes Miss M wiped
he death dews from his forehead or tried 10 give
,iu, a lfttlp wine but hp saqmpI narferfM unCOu-