Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-18
NO. g..
From Chambers Edinburgh Magazine
THE BLACK WATCH.
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY.

ccSoiC lclI lldl any CuduSC llOuI VIC oC-
paIling misery she had so recently endured
would be grateful relief. Execution it.
self seemed preferable at that moment
than to live amidst the terrors and agony
by which she was surrounded. However,
she could not suppress a shudder as she,
IN company with her unhappy compan-
ions. passed through Bootham Bay it was
so suggestive of there being no return.
The arrival of SO great a. number as sew
enty-tlve rebels caused considerable curl
osity and excitement among the citizens.
The High Sheriff of the county, with the
halberdiers. the Lord Mayor and corpor-
alton. showed great zeal and activity in
aiding to escort so formidable drove OF
wretched beings along the streets. Jessie,
whose appearance was that of a mere
STRIPPING, was especially an object ef COM
miseration and pity.
An old lady, who was watching the sad
procession from widow in Spurrier Gate
exclaimed, 'Hey, dear, what can bonny
bairn like that ha' done."
A few minutes later, and the prisoners
were all safely lodged in the castle.
BY the humanity of the governor Jessie
was restored to the society of her father.
Believing them to be parent and son,
with feeling OF humanity which did him
great credit, they were allowed the exclu-
sive use of a tolerably roomy cell, seeing
as he did at once, that they were Of "gen-
tie blood''
Both the Murrays were eventually found
to be of the number Of those condemned
to die.
Up to the moment of receiving sem
tencc, she had not realized the horror of
the scene before her. Now she instinc-
lively shrank from it, and felt the most
intense desire to live. Her father. on the
contrary, regarded his daughters fate, as
well as his own, with stolid Indifference.
Whilst these things were taking place
in the North, Colin, now Captain Camp
bell. was serving with his regiment in the
neighborhood of London. OF course he
was entirely ignorant of what had hap
pened to Jessie. The names of John and
Donald Murray did not particularly at
tract his attention, Murray being not an
uncommon family cognomen.
One morning as he sat at breakfast his
servant informed him that a special mes
senger had Just delivered letter at the
door, with the urgent request that he
would at once place it in his masters
hand
1t was from Jessie, describing her suf-
ferngs and her fate, with most piteous
appeal that he would intercede in her be-
half, and that her life might be spared.
He was horror-stricken. What was
be done? Colen knew well enough that
against his foreign adversaries his Royal
Highness entertained no undue asperity,
and towards his soldiers he could show
no compassion; but as to any rebel, he
treated him with as little mercy as he
would wolf.
"Still,n exclaimed the Captain, II must
try what l can do, and that without loss of
time. He should not refuse me so poor
boon; and yet fear he will storm like a
hurricane. or order me from his presence"
Nor was he mistaken in the matter.
Never before had he made any use of the
pledge in,rusted to him by the Duke, and
which at once afforded him access to the
audience chamber of his Royal Highness.
"Well. Campbell" exclaimed he, "I'm
glad you've come at last to test the SINGER
ty of my promise. Is there a majority
vacant?-or in what way can | serve
you?'
"Your Royal IIighness has faith in my
loyalty"
The most unlimited"
And by this pledge you wish me to ask
the greatest favor | can think of?n
"Ceitainy.'
There are two rebels at York who are
condemned to die. The greatest favor I
could possibly obtain on earth is that their
lives might be spared
what names did you say ?"
"John and Donald Murray"
'Now, Campbell, you are, believe,
good man and true. | should be sorry to
think otherwise of you; and, having that
end in view, strongly advise you to re-
tire, or. at least, not to press the matter
further
Colin advanced towards the Duke, bent
the knee, and laid the ring on his foot
stool; then he rose, as if about to with
draw.
"No, no stay you, What mean you
by this?'
That when your Royal Highness pre-
sented me with this ring as pledge, ac.
cepted it in good faith-nothing doubling.
What further use can it be to me-"
Come, you insolent sir! I'm not going
to quarrel, though you wish it. Take up
this ring at my command, and believe that
anything short of what you ask shall be
awarded.
Grant me permission, under your sign
manuel, that | may have an interview with
the Murrays before they snffer."
Il see no harm in that" and he at once
summoned his secretary to prepare the
necessary form,
Colin received it, and departed.
Armed with the Dukes authority, the
Captain was readily admitted to the cell in
which they were confined.
"Oh, Colin" cried the person who ap-
peared as young man, "have you par.
don or reprieve?'
"Alas. -
Enough replied she. "You have
not. | see there is no hope in your looks.
Father, we must arm ourselves for the
worst -
Il have done my duty" replied he.
land fear not the consequence"
You will not leave us, Colin' Dare
you accompany usp But no, that must
not be ! Go, go!"
The Governor and the Sheriff entered
the cell at that moment, for the purpose
of going through the form of delivering