The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-10-30
TALES OF THE BORDERS.
FORTUNES OF WILLIAM wIGHroN
BY JOHN HOWELL.
CONCLUDRD

CONCLUDED
told the whole circumstances as they
had occurred; but my narrative made no
the slightest impression. | was rot be-
lleved-an incredulous smile, or a dubiou,
shake Of the head, was all that obtained
from my auditors. then kept silence. anC
refused to enter into any further explanation
conscious that my innocence would be made
manifest at the inquest, which must meet
as soon as the necessary steps could be
taken. was already tried and condemned
oy those around me-every circumstance
was turned against me, and the most prom
inent was that | was Scotch. Many re.
marks were made, all to the prejudice Of nv
country, but aimed at me. My heart
burned to retort their unjust abuse; but
was too indignant to trust myself to utter
the thoughts that swelleG my heart almost
TO bursting.
The surgeon had come, and was busy ex.
amining the body of the unfortunate indi-
vidual, when a new traveller arrived. He
appeared to be about sixty years Of age, of q
pleasing countenance, which was, however,
shaded 5y anxiety and grief. Sick and
weary OF those around me, | had ceased to
regard them, but l raised nv eyes as the
by strong resemblance, as | thought, be-
tween him and the d. ceased. The stranger
appeared to take no interest in what was
going on, but urged the andlady TO make
haste and procure him some refreshment,
while his horse was being fed. He was in
the utmost hurry 20 depart, as important
business required his immediate attendance
~ London. The loquacious landlady forced
/ 10 Ect 10
OF the horTid murder which the Scotchman
had committed in her house. The story was
so much distorted by her inventions, that
could not have recognized the event, if the
time and place, and her often pointing to me
and the bed oD which the body was laid, had
net identified it. | could perceive faint
shudder come over his frame, as she finished
her romance. The surgeon came from bis
examination IF the body. He was a man
well advanced in years, Of an intelligent and
benevolent cast II countenance. She in
quired with what instrument the murder
had been perpetr4ted.
MY good lady," said the surgeon, 81 can
find no marks Of violence upon the body,
aud | cannot say whether the individual mel
bis death by violence or the visitation Of
God"
he was murdered; for | saw them struggling
on the floor as ! entered the room; and be
said himself that he had murdered him."
''Peace, good woman" said the surgeon,
who turned to me, and requested to know
the particulars from myself; "ior | am per
suaded," he continued, "that no outward
violence has been sustained by deceased"
l Cnce more began to narrate to him the
rrk oil A. I HaA -skh
The dream, tie stranger suddenly became
suddenly riveted in his attention; his eyes
were fixed upon me; the muscles of his face
were strangely agitated as if he was re-
stIainlng some strong emotion; wonder and
anxiety were strongly depicted expressed
by turas, until mt ntoned one Of the names
had heard in the dream. Uttering a heart
rendng groan, or rather scream, be ROSE
from his seat and staggered to the be J
whore be fell upon the iGanmste body, anC
sobbed audtbly as he kissed the cold fore
head, and parted the long brown hair tha
covered it.
"Oh, Charles, he cried, "my son, M
dear lost son have found you thus, VIII
+ was once the stay and hope Of my heart !!
There was not dry eye in the room af
ter this burst Of agoniz d nature. He ros
mildly in my face, he SAID
stranger, be so good as continue you
account Of this sad accident; for botL ou
sakes, hope you are innocent Of any vic
y lence upon my son."
Overcome by his manner, il kindness t
him [ suggested that il would be bette
we're only the surgeon and himself presen
' al the recital Several Of those presen
a col
ing | would make my escape if was no
guarded. My anger now rose-I could re
is strain myself no longer cast an indig
nant glance around, and, in a voice at it
utmost pitch, dared any one present to say
Y had used violence against the unfortunat
young man. All remained silent. 10
calmer manner, declared | had no wish t
depart, urgent ss my business was, until tn
inquest wss over; and, if they doubted IN,
word, they were welcome to keep stric
watch at the door aud windows.
I TIE old man perceived the kindness o
d my motive Tor Withdrawing with him, an
Of his locks spoke bis gratitude as we retired
!. ouce more stated every circumstance a
OF it bad occurred, from the time OF his sOr'
N arrival until be fell from the chair. As
repeated the words | could make out in th
u early part Oh Tue 'TeanS Ills latneI ~eP
" ike child, and ssid-"'Would TO God b
Of had never left me ~ When | came to th
London part, he groaned aloud and wrun
hls hands. | was inclined more than ono
nj TO stop; hut be motioned me to procee
nj while :csrs checked his utteTance. When
had made an end, he clas2cd his hands, an
raising his face TO heaven, sald-"l than
Thee, Father Of mercies Thy will b
done He was the last of five of Tn
gifts ] am now childess, and have moth
in ing more worth living for but tc obey Th
Y will. ] tDauk Thee that in bis last mC
ments it can be said Of him as it was Of th
apostle-'Behod, he prayeth p"
u Fer some time we renamed silent, reveI
- encing the old mans grief. The surgeo
Grst broke silen ce:-"S Stranger" he said,
have not doubt Of your innocence Of at
intention 10 injure the person of the d.
ceased, but your humane intention
~ awaken him was certainly the immedia
( cause Of his desth; for, had you tried
rouse him from sleep, either sooner or lat
| in bis cream, all might have been well. III
:" gentle shake you gave his arm, IN all like
mood. was felt as the fatal fall of the ps
form or push Of the executloner, wnit
. caused irom fright sudden collapse Of 4
. heart, that put finsl stop to the circulate
ana caused immediate death. We regret
ion but Cannot say there was any oad intenu'
10 on your part"
| thar ked the surgeon for the justice
RO had done me in his remarks; and then
eet dressing the bereaved father, begged