South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1871-06-09

not murder the good old man who has pro-
tected me throughout life, and whom |
loved as though he was my own father. l
am guililess of the fendiSh deed, but sub
NIT to my fate
y silence fell upon all there were, how
ever, but few who would believe the Youths
statement; among the latter was Mr. Dew
es and his family, who through all, re-
manned stauuch friends
Frank Mercer was to be hung, TO die
an ignominious death on tho gallows, and
hundreds flocked to the little town where
the execution was to take place, to see him
die. How they were disappointed to fad
that the night before he had escaped How,
no one knew, but he had left a note ad-
dressed to the jailor, thanking him for tho
kindness shown him while he was in his
charge, and his regrets that bis escape
might cause him trouble, but saving he
bad had an opportunity of escaping, aud
took advantage of it, for he had no idea of
dying an ignominious death for an act ne
was not guilty of, merely 90 crafty the Gu
riosity Of gaping crowd. Freedom was
offered him, md he accepted it, and he
hoped he would yet be able to prove his in.
nOcence.
This was about tho subject of the letter
and when II was published in the local pa.
per, there were some who were glad that
the boy had escaped the gallows.
Mr.. MERGERS property was, in his will
all left to Frank, and it was found to be
considerable. Trustees assumed charge of
it, and before long the quiet community
had settled down to It's usual routine, and
the murder and escape were, in a short
time, almost forgotten.
Ten years passed away, and no word of
the fugitive had been heard and people be-
lieved him dead. One exception was Ma
ry Doves, now grown to womauhood. She
had never believed him dead and though
her life had treasured Franks image in her
inmost heart, the mystery that hung around
him but added strength to her regard
Her sisters had married, her mother was
dead, aud together with their father, they
had lived at lhe old homestead.
Business. calling Mr. Dewes 20 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 sIumber 10 vain were efforts made
to quench the flames. The seamcn in
fright, rushed into the only available boat,
and it sank with them, and left them strur-
CLING in the ocean borne away by the wind
aud waves, while Mr.. Dewes and Mary,
the captain of the ship, aud few others
were huddled away upon the stern, await
ing the fearful doom that must, to all ap-
pcarance, overtake them.
Sail BIO =
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 towards
them came low, rakish, three-mastcd
schooner, which ever and anon sent up
light, TO appraisc those on board the burn
ing ship that succor was near.
Hark the deep boom Of a gun is heard,
and as the captain listens, be exclaims,
Miss Dowes, we arc all right now cheer
up, for there comes a vessel Of war to our
aid
Ship ahoy ? came in ringing tones from
the schooner, as she came near the burning
ship, which was being rapidly driven along
by the wind.
Alloy" answered the captain
Throw a long line from your ship and
will send you boat, came in the same
clear tones
The line was thrown, the boat attached,
aud, after a little difficulty, the people from
the ship were transferred TO the schooner,
and Mary was soon in the comfortable cab
IN, rejoicing over their escape from a hor-
ribie death
At breakfast the next morning, the
YOUNG c3r.tain Of fho tvar41L 1l,,,, l,.-,.-, \
cd 20 join his guests ut the table, and. az
he entered, Mary sprang towards him.
Frank Mercer Oh il is you-is it
not
One glance at the beautiful girl and.
though gears bad passed. Frank Mercer
for 10 was no other-recognized the play
mate whom be had loved so well, and whom
be bad never ceased 90 think Of
Mr.. Dewcs came forward and What
joyful meeting was there but seeing
cloud, If of bitter memories, come over
the young captains face, Mr. Dewos said
First, let me relieve you of one thing.
Your innocence 10 Virginia has been thor
oughly established for q negro running a.
way, hung The other day for killing n wo.
man, confessed just before bis death chat
ho had murdered your uncle, and your ar
irving when yru did, had prevented him
from getting tho gold, but made him as.
cape from the house. Tie know your un-
Gle Kept large amount Of money, ana YOU
being away, as be thought, be- procured
your knife, and with Dc committed the fatal
deed
Frank listened to Mr. Dewes, almost
breathlesa, and then, when be- bad c0nclu-