South-eastern Independent. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1871-1871, 1871-05-05

from Charleston in a fine ship running
south. They had been some days at sea.
when, in the dead of night, the fearful CRY
of fire" was heard, which aroused all from
slumber. In vain were efforts made to
quench the flames. The seamen in fright
rushed into the only available boat, and ii
sank with them, and lefG them struggling
in the ocean, borne away by the wind and
waves while Mr. Dewes and Mary, the
captain of the ship, and a few Others, were
huddled away upon the stern, awaiting
the fearful doom that must, to all appear
ance, overtake them.
"Sail, hoI" .,..- t.a .--r
The JOYOUS cry came from the captain,
who had been straining his eyes over the
ocean, in hopes of seeing some vessel COM
ing to save them. Swiftly flying toward
them came a low, rakish, three-masted
schooner, which ever and anon sent up a
light to prove to those on board the burn
| ing ship that succor was near. F..
Harkl the deep boom of a gun is heard,
and as the captain listens, he exclaims,
Miss Dewes, we are all right now; cheer
up, for there comes vessel-of-war to our
aid"
"Ship ahoyI' came in ringing tones
from the schooner, as she came near the
burning ship, which was being driven rap
idly along by the wind.
"Ahoy" answered the captain.
Throw a long line from your ship, and
| will send you boat" came IN the same
clear tones. . r.-s..-.
The line was thrown, the boat attached,
and, after a little difficulty, the people
from the, ship were transferred to the
schooner, and Mary was soon in the CON-
Portable cabin, rejoicing over their escape
from horrible death.
At breakfast the neys morning, the
young captain of the war schooner de-
scended to join his guests at the table, and
as he entered, Mary sprang toward him.
Frank Mercer! OH it is you-is it
not?"
One glance at the beautiful girl, and,
though years had passed, Frank Mercer
for it was no other-recognized the play
mate whom he had loved so well, and
whom he had never ceased to think of.
Mr.. Dewes came forward, and what
joyful meeting was there; but seeing a
cloud, as if of bitter memories, come over
the young captains face, Mr.. Dewes said:
First, let me relieve your mind of one
thing. Your innocence in Virginia has
been thoroughly established; for negro
runaway, hung the other day for killing a
woman, confessed, Just before his death,
that he had murdered your uncle, and
your arriving when you did had prevented
him from getting the gold, but made him
escape from the house. He knew your
uncle kept large amount of money, and
you being away, as he thought, he pro-
cured your knife, and with it committed
the fatal deed.
Frank listened to Mr. Dewes, almost
breathless, and then, when he had con-
cluded. he bowed his face in his hands and
wept like child.
"But come in" said Mr.. Dewes at length;
we are hungry, and need breakfast, and
are dying to know how you became cap
tain in the Mexican navy.
My story is easily told, my dear friends;
for, after escaping from prison through
your kindness, went to Mexico, entered
the navy, and, having rendered some ser
vice, rose to my present command, which
has been the means of saving your lives"
Little more can be added.
Frank resigned his commission and re-
turned home, when he was lionized by the
entire community. He came in possession
of his estates, which were greatly in
creased in value; and six months after
ward, in the very town where he was to
have had the hangman's halter placed
around his neck for death, he had the
moose of matrimony thrown around him
for life, and the bride was Mary Dewes.
Thus his life had been both dark and
bright in remarkable degree.-Rtcla11ond
Dispatch.