Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-05-09

they disappointed to find that the night befor
he had escaped! How, no one knew; but h.
had left note addressed to the TAILOR, thank
ing him for the kindness shown him while b,
was IN his charge, and his regret that his es
cape might cause him trouble, but saying ht
had had an opportunity of escaping, and took
advantage of it. for he had no idea of dying ar
ignominious death for an act he was not guilty
Of merely to crafty the curiosity of a gaping
cepted it, and he hoped he would yet be able
| to prove his innocence.
This was about the subject of the letter, and
| when it was published in the local papers there
were some who were glad that the boy had es-
capped the gallows.
MIR. MERGERS property was, IN his will, all
left to Frank, and it was found to be oonside-
rable: Trustees assumed charge OF it, and be-
fore long the quiet community had settled
down to its usual routine, and the murder
and escape were in short time almost forgot
ten.
Ten years had passed away and no word of
the fugitive had been heard, and people be-
lieved him dead. One exception was Mary
Dewes, now grown to womanhood. She had
never believed him dead, and through her life
had treasured Franks image in her honest
heart, the mystery that hung around him but
adding strength to her regard. Her sisters had
married, her mother was dead, and, together
with her father, 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 were
efforts made to quench the flames. The sea-
men in fright rushed into the only available
boat, and it sank with them, and left them
struggling in the ocean; borne away by the
wind and waves, while Mr.. Dewes and Mary,
huddled away upon the stern, awaiting the
fearful doom that must, TO all appearances,
overtake them
Sail, ho!"
The joyous sound came from the captain,
who had been straining his eyes over the ocean,
In hopes of seeing some vessel coming to save
him. Swiftly flying toward them came low,
rakish, three-masted schooner, which ever and
anon sent up light to prove 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 exclaims, Miss
Dewes, we are all right now; cheer up, for
there comes vessel Of war to our aid.
ship, ahoy! !" came in ringing tones from
ship, which was being driven rapidly along by
the wind.
''Ahoy!'
''Throw long line from your ship, and I
will send you boat" came in the same clear
tones.
The line was thrown, the boat attached, and
after little difficulty, the people from the
ship were transferred to the schooner, and
Mary was soon in the comfortable cabin, re-
joicing over their escape from horrible death.
At breakfast the next morning the young
captain of the war schooner descended to join
his guests at the table, and as he entered Mary
sprang toward him.
Frank Mercer! Oh it is you-is it moi? ?"
One glance at the beautiful girl, and, though
years had passed, Frank Mercer-for it was no
recognized the playmate 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 cloud, as if
of bitter memories, come over the young cap
tain face, Mr. Dewes said First, let me re-
lieve your mind of one thing. Your innocence
in Virginia has been thoroughly established
for negro runaway, hung the other day for
killing woman, confessed just before his death
that he had murdered your uncle, and your ar
irving there 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 procured your knife, and
with it committed the fatal deed.