The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-04-13


pointment to be in a measure prepared
for worse. She knew he intended to
bring her a book. He had spoken Of
it. That must have been the parcel
lie went back for. OF course she never
doubted him, and no one dared to hint
at what had been whispered in her
presence.
For'weeks, sir, the authorities were
at work. Immense rewards were offer
ed for the burglars, and for the recnv-
cry, alive or dead, of young Benjamin
Wade, bat with the least effect.
We were notified of every body
washed ashore, and of every unknown
man found dead for months and at last
there were few who did not laugh at
poor Ben's friends for their credulity.
1t seemed plain to them-and may
Heaven not judge them rs they judged
their brother-Ben Wade was guilty.
Poor Lucy never looked up. 1t was
easy to see that her heart was broken,
and in year she died just week too
soon to hear what shall tell You.
One morning was very busy at my
desk in the office when gentleman
came in aud asked for either Mr.. Nor
ris or Mr.. Grinby. Old Mr.. Grinby
was at home with the govt, but Mr..
Morris and the young gentleman were
in. l saw the gentleman was a clergy
man and fancied he had called to solic-
it subscription for some mission to the
heather, or Sunday school, or new
church. But his first words made me
start. They were these:
"YOu remember, of course, a bur-
slary committed here year ago, OF
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 wa
for support.
"You are aeitated" said the clergy
man; ~ fear you will be still more
affected by what you must soon here
A person now in custody, condemned
to execution, has Il C ntessicn to make
to yon in regard to that atfair-a very
horrible one, / fear.'
He took card from his pocket ani
wrote few lines.
"f you will call at the prison any
time To-day, you will be too late. i
is Friday, and he is to suffer execution
AT dawn. Present this, if you please
and implore you, ask no question,
now"
Before they could say much he wa
gone. Afraid, l think, to be the frs
to tell the story and our gentlemen
called a cab and took me with them IL
my request. They seemed to expec
us at the prison, and we were admit
ted. But in the narrow corridor Nor
ris stopped me.
"Gcntlcmen," he said, "you mus
nerve yourselves. Have you reflecte'
that you may see Benjamin Wade wheu
yonder door is opened?
Young G,inby put his hand npol
his heart, and seemed turning fam
again. 1t was the first time tn
thought entered my mind, and it was
blow. 1t staggered me
The next minute the turnkey fun
the doer open. and we were in the &c!
On the floor lay IL man IA broad si.onl
dered fellow, i'll rough garments VIII
seemed to have cast himself down j
grief or terror 1t was not Ben Wad,
AT first l thought had never seen til
face he lifted as hc arose. In II mo
mcnt it came tn me.
II WAS the leader of the gang wi,
had been arrested for that old attrm,
at robbery, when we had found it'll
Ben in the stone vanl,.
"Yon've conit, have you o. said h,
sitting down on the stone seat" "an
l see You know me: They've cangl
me again, and its murder this tim
and Eve got to swing. If it wasn't +.
that np, person 'ud have got this out
me. But I've promised, and l Away
keep my word, do. Y0n remember
, young man called Ben Wadc?''
| "What of him 2" we cried in breat'
/, "Not mnch-he did't rob your plac
that's all. We done it-Dick Bnrcl
and Slippery Tom and me. Tell ye
? how it was. You know that boy i,
formed on us. and was locked up Fl
hard labor for more years than NO
men live, I.didn't stay, thought c,
off and came home. And the fiji
| thin. did was to vow vengeance {
( that hoy. Why there he was, a q
: yonng bnck, in fine toys, with Il
handling Of money, and thought ,
/ and trusted, just Tor hnving done f
t MS. Prontl, too-wonldn't speak to
\ in the street. Threatened to give j
formation if he ever saw one of
o providing about. / heard it all.
q swore I'd FIX him; and it seemed
Il come to me