Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-05-25

was offered him, and he accepted it, ant
hoped he would yet be able to prove hi
This was about the subject of the letter
and when it was published in the loca
| paper, there were some who were glad tina
the boy had escaped the gallows.
! MIR. Mercer's property was, in his will
all left to Frank, and it was found to be
considerable. Trustees assumed charge
of it, aud before long the quiet communi.
ty bad settled down to its usual routine
and the murder and escape were, in q
short time, almost forgotten.
Ten years passed away, and no word o.
the fugitive had been heard, and people
believed him dead. One exception was
Mary Dewes, now grown to womanhood
She had never believed him dead, and
though her life had treasured Franks i'm
age in her inmost heart, the mystery that
hung around him but adding strength to
her regard. Her sisters had married, her
mother was dead, and together with their
father.t they had lived at the old homestead
Business calling Mr.. Dewes to Havana,
he took Mary with him. and they set sail
from Charleston in 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 we're efforts made
| to quench the flames The seamen in
fright rushed into the only available boat,
and it sank with them, and left them
| struggling in the ocean borne away by
the winds 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 appearance overtake them.
Sail. hol'
The joyous cry came from the captain,
who had been straining his eyes over the
ocean, in hopes of seeing some vessl com
ing to save them. Swiftly flying towards
them came low, rakish, three masked
schooner, which ever and anon sent up a
light. to those on board the burning ship
that succor was near.
| Hark ! the deep boom of gun is heard.
and as the captain listens he exclaimed,
'Miss Dewcs. we are all right now; cheer
up. for there comes vessel of-war 10 our
! aid"
Ship ahoy p came in ringing tones
| from the schooner, as she came near the
burning ship, which was being rapidly
driven along by the wind"
| "Ahoy % answered the captain.
Throw long line from your ship, and
[ Will send you boat" came in the same
| clear tone.
| 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 COM
Portable cabin. rejoicing over their escape
from horrible death.
At breakfast the next morning the
young captain of the war schooner descen-
ded to join his guests at the table, and as
he entered. Mary sprang toward him. ,
'Frank Mercer! Oh it is you, is it
not?' -' -i9' a. I'54al .0..
One glance at the beautiful girl, and.
though years had passed, Frank Mercer
for it was no other-recognlzedt the play
mate whom he had loved so well, and whom
he never ceased to think of.
Mr.. Dewes came forward, and what a
joyful meeting there was; but seeing a
cloud, as of bitter memories, came over
the young Captains face, Mr.. Dewes, said /:
"First let me relieve you Of one thing
Your innocence iu Virginia has been fair
ly esta blislIed +; for negro running away,
was hung the other day for killing a. wo-
man, confessed just before his death that e
had murdered your uncle, and your arri-
wing when you did had prevented him
al I,,f IL
cape from the house. He knew your un-
Gle kept large amount of money, and
you being away, as be 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. .....t..
But come in" said Mr.. Dewes, at
length, 1--WE are hungry and need break
fastr and are dying to know how you be-
came captain 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 service, 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 whole community. He came in pos
session of his estates, which were greatly
increased in value; and, six months after
wards, in the town where he was to have
the hangman's halter placed around his
neck for death he had the moose of matri-
mony thrown around his life, and the
bride was Mary Dewes. Thus his life
had been both dark and bright in re-