The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-01-19

| est tributaries were pouring down vast
torrents, caused by the melting of the
| mountain SHOWS. 1t was the beginning of
| one of the spring freshests which often in
undated that region, carrying terror and
| destruction far and wide.
Whittier to bend my steps knew not
but to remain there was impossible.
turned and groped my way few PAGES,
confronted me- Whichever way turned
l heard it. A storm was gathering, and
every moment the darkness grew thicker
and thicker. A flash of lightning blaZed
from the heavens, lighting up scene be-
fore winch | recoiled with horror. By the
lurid glare, saw that was standing on q
low, flat island, every portion of which, il
the rise continued, would soon be many
feet under water! understood, now, the
purport of the villains question: Can
| you swim 2"
shouted for help-prayed for it-but
no deliverance came. The only answer
was the sound OF the rushing, mighty
waters, or mightier thunder which seemed
to rend the very sky.
The rain fell in torrents. Faster and
faster the waters rose. Step by step re-
treated before them. At every returning
flash saw my little spot of ground grow
ing smaller and smaller.
sought in vain for some tree or bush
into which might climb, but found no h.
ing strong enough to bear my weight.
The island at last, was reduced to speck
and the next flash revealed but waste of
waters.
Soon stood waist deep in the surging
flood, which threatened every instant to
sweep me down. Once more l cried out in
agony, but my voice was drowned in the
din of the elements.
The waves had reached my shoulders.
Strength and courage were fast failing. 1t
would be impossible to hold my footing a
minute longer, and l was on the point of
yielding, when some dark object foated
toward me. put out my hands eagerly.
An exclamation of joy escaped me. 1t was
a small boat that had drifted within my
reach.
know not how managed to climb into
the frail craft without overturning it, but,
in another moment, it was bearing me safe
ly from the spot on which l had suffered
all of terror which death has in his power
to inflict.
A month afterward it became my duty
to prosecute two prisoners charged with
passing counterfeit money. The case had
been prepared by an assistant. and knew
nothing of the particulars till 1t was called
for trial.
My assistant was putting in the proofs
among other things the forged notes pass
ed 10y tine prisoners while in company, and
numerous others of the same stamp found
in theiI possession-when l took up one of
them, and after briefly examining it, CLAN.
ced at the others.
May it please your honor said ris
ing, =" desire to enter nolle in this case"
why so ?" inquired the Judge; Z" the
case seems clear enough"
Because l do not believe the defend
ants guilty." answered.
mot guilty" exclaimed his honor.
You have surely forgotten which side
you are on, Mr.. Payne"
have not forgotten" l replied :" but
recognize these notes by private mark.
They were in my own possession lately,
having been taken from u gang of counter
feiters, arrested several months ago, against
whom | held them as evidence. am sat
isiied the prisoners now on trial thought
them genuine, in which case, of course,
there can be no lawful conviction under
this indictment"
OF course not" the judge assented.
Then Imove the prisoners be dscbarg-
ed" said their counsel, rubbing his hands
gleefully.
And l move their rccommitmcnt," l
answered.
Con what charger
THAT of robbery, replied, proceeding
to recount my late adventure, aud explain
ing that the roll of bills taken from my
person were the identical ones then in
court. Ofcourse l did not recognize the
prisoners as my assailants, for it had been
too dark to distinguish features, but the
subsequent finding of the stolen notes upon
them was sufficient to establish their iden-
tity.
But urged the counsel, with profess
sional persistence, " TO constitute robbery,
the property taken must be of some value,
and these notes have none"
Granted" replied but my pocket
book was taken along with them and that
cost exactly fifty cents, and was as good as
new"
The prisoners were recommitted, and
got ten years each before the court adj
journed.