South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-08-27


where the execution was TO take place.
TO see him die. How were they disap-
pointed To find that the night before he
had escaped! How. no one knew, but lie
had left note addressed 10 the jailer,
thanking him for the kindness shown
him while he was in his charge, and his
regrets that his escape might cause him
trouble. but saying he had had an oppor-
tunity of escaping. and took advantage
Of it, for he had no idea of dying an ig-
nominious death for an act he was not
guilty of, merely to crafty the curiosity
of n gaping crowd. Freedom was offer
ed him, and he accepted it, and hoped
he would yet be able to prove his limo.
cence.
This was about the subject of the let
ter and when it was published in the To-
cal paper. there were some who were
glad that the boy had escaped the gal
lows
Mr.. Mercer'spropcrty 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 commu-
nifty had settled down to its usual rou-
tine, and the murder and escape were al
most forgotten.
Ten years passed away, and no word
of the fugitive had been heard and peo-
/ pie believed him dead. One exception
was Mary Dewes, now grown to woman
hood. She had never believed him dead
and through her life had treasured
! Franks image in her iumost heart, the
mystery that hung around him but adj
ding strength TO her regard. Her sis
tiers had married, her mother was dead
and together with her father, they lived
at the old homestead,
business calling Mr.. Dewcs to Ha.
vana, lie took Mary with him, and they
set sail from Charleston in fine ship
running South. They had been some
days nj sea, when in the dead of night
! the fearful cry of Fire ~ aroused all
from slumber. The ship was on fire,
and in vain were efforts made to Quench
the flames. The seamen in fright rush
ed into the only available boat and it
sank with them, and left them strug-
| Cling in the ocean borne away by the wind
and waves, while Mr.. Dewes and Mary,
the captain of the ship and few others,
were huddlcd away upon the stern. n
them.
sail hol''
The Joyous cry came from the cap.
tain. who HAD been straining his eyes o
yer the ocean, in hopes Of seeing some
vessel coming TO save them. Swiftly
! flying toward them came a low, rakish.
three-masted schooner. which ever and
anon sent up light, 10 prove to those
on board the burning ship that succor
was near. Hank the deep boom Of q
/ gun is heard, and rs the captain listens
he cXclaims: Miss Dewes we are all
right now cheer up, for there comes a
vessel of war TO our aid"
''Ship ahoy - came in ringing tones
from the schooner rs she came near the
burning ship, which was being driven
rapidly along by the wind.
Alloy - answered the captain.
Throw a long line from your ship,
AMI will send you boat, came in the
same clear tones.
The line was thrown. the boat attach
ed, and after little difficulty, tho crew
were transferred to the schooner; and Ma
~ was soon in the comfortable cabin.
rejoicing over their escape from horri-
bic death.
Al breakfast tbo rovt nor,i,r tho
young captain of the war schooner de-
seconded to Join his Guests nj thc tobIc
and. as he entered Mary enropg 70,
wards him.
Frank Mercer Oh! it is you-is it
not?"
One Glance at tho brontir,l ,irI and
/ though years had passed. Frank Mercer
for it was no other. recognized tho nlov.
mate whom he had loved en- vol and
whom he had never ceased 10 thinI, or
Mr. Dewes came forward and what q
joyful meeting was there : but soeing .
cloud as irofbifter momories conc &C.
the young captains face. Mr.. Dewos said
/ quickly; First. lctme relieve your mind
Of one thing, Mercer Your innocence
in Virginia is thoroughly established !:
for negro runaway, hung the other day.
1.