The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-08-26

can wonder2 They had boen going to-
gether. Il seemed, to see some play the
night before, and she had been sufficient
| ly alarmed by his failing TO keep the np.
pointment to DO In q measure prepared
for worse. She knew he intended TO bring
her book. He had spoken OF 1t. That
must have been the parcel he went back
for. Of course she never doubted him.
and no one dared TO hint ut what had been
whispered, in her presence. I5., f.,... ....
| For weeks, sir. the authorities we're at
work. Immense rewards wero offered
for the burglars. and the recovery, alive
or dead, Of young Benjamin Wade, but
without the least effect.
We were notified OF everybody washed
ashore, and Of every unknown man found
dead for months. and at last there were
few who did not laugh at poor Bon's
friends for their credulity. ii.
| Il seemed plain to thcm-and may
Heaven not judge them rs they judged
their brother--B Ben Wade was guilty.
Poor Lucy never looked up. II was
easy enough to see that her heart was
broken. and in year she died, just q
week to soon to hear what I shall tell
you. O. ~ 'r.7'.4 -. .'..il, grr-. asl
One morning was very busy at my
desk in the Office when gentleman came
in and asked for Mr.. Morris or Mr.. Grin
BY. Old Mr.. Grinby was at home with
the gout. but Mr.. Morris and the Young
gentlemen were in. saw the gentleman
was clergyman, and fancied he had
called to solicit subscription for some mis-
sion to the heathen, or Sunday school or
new church. But his first words made
me start. They were these ... .s1.. "a.
You remember, Of course, a burglary
committed here year ago or more
could not keep my seat then, but went
forward, trembling like leaf.
Young Mr.. Grinby had turned quite
faint, and was leaning against the wall
for support
you are agitated.' said the clergyman:
Il fear you will DO still more affected by
what you must soon hear. Aperson now
in custody. condemned to execution. has
confession to make to you In regard to
that affair-a very horrible one / fear
He took card from his pocket and
wrote few lines. ......,
If you will call Mt the prison any time
to-day, YOU will not be too late. 1t Is
Friday. and he Is to suffer execution mt
dawn. Present this, II you please, and l
implore you to ask no questions now.'
Before they could say much he was
gone, afraid, think. to be the first to tell
the story, and our gentleman called u cab,
and took me with them ut my request.
They seemed to expect us mt the prison,
and we were admitted. But In the mar
row corridor Morris stopped us. a....
Gentlemen. he said. you must nerve
yourselves. Havo you reflected that YOU
may see Benjamin Wade, when yonder
door is opened?' rl.
Young Grinby put his hand upoa his
heart and seemed turning faint ngain. 1t
was the first time the thought had entered
my mind, and II was blow. 1t staggcr-
ed me. at .N.
The next minute the turnkey flung the
door open and we were In the cell. On
The floor lay mana broad-shouldered
fellow-in rough garments-who seemed
to have cast himself down In grief or
terror. 1t was not Ben Wade. At first
thought never had seen the face he
lifted as il rose. In moment 1t came
to me.
It was the leader of the gang who had
been arrested for that old attempt mt rob-
berry when we had found little Ben in the
stone vault.
You've come, have your he said. sit
ting down on the stone seat. and see
You know me. They've caught me again
and it's murder this time, and I've got to
swing. If 1t wasn't for that, no person
'ud have got this out of me. But I've
promised, and I always keep my promise.
| 90. You remember q young man called
Ben Wadc?'
What of him p we cried in breath.
Not much-he didn't rob your place.
that's all. We done it-Dick Burch and
Slippery Tom and me. Tell you how 1t
was. You know that boy informed on
us, and was locked up for hard labor for
more years than most men live. l didn't
say, though. l cut of and came home.
And the first thing I did was to vow ven.
geance on that boy. Why, there was a
gay young buck. in fine tOgs, with the
handling of money, and thought of and
trusted Just for having done for us. Proud
too-wouldnt speak to us In the street.
Threatened to give Information # he saw
one of us prcwling about. heard 1t all.
I swore I'd fix him; and !. seemed to
come to me.
One night was agoin' to Slappers
Shades to have drink. Burch was with
me; and In quiet sort of street We came
up to Ben. In n mighty hurry
ia have knocked him on the head, but
Burch stopped me.
See what he's up to- says he. And we
followed. He went down to your place
and went in. He left the door aiar. and
we made the best of II. He was coming
out with book or something In his hand.
and we met him. He was plucky. ] tell
you. One of us wouldn't have got of so
easy, but we were two to one. We gag
ged and tied him. and made clean
sweep of the place that night
And BENNY God, did Ben think we
would not believe himP cred Mr.. Grim
by.
He had but to como to us to tell the
truth. Where Is he? Do you know
Speak,
The robber was turning tho hue of
ashes. His words came slowly. His
eyes glanced over his shoulder and he
backed up against the wall.
we locked him up In tho stone vault
he said, and took the keys with us. III
you look you'll find him there .,.r
And Mr.. Grinby fainted outright in my
arms. .r
Well, sir, the robbers words were true.
The stone vault was opened that day. and
there-no matter. It was easier tn know
the ring he wore. and the keys and purse
in his pocket, than poor Ben Wade. .
The first thing Mr.. Grinby said was
Thank heaven, Lucy cannot know It.
And the next he sobbed-'Oh, but the
certainty would have been better for hcr
after all And then to know his name
was clear .-Ii 90.
And SO that Is the story of our stono
vault; and. strange rs It is, It Is quite
true. You may see his grave, close be-
- n n L.