Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-06-30

Il have killed five men, and all for less
than this he exclaimed. Get out of the
way. l'll cut him in two!
"'Get out of the wayl' said the quiet
man. 1T would greatly please me if he
would set down and conduct himself less
dangerously, but if he is determined upon
a wicked action, let him be under no re-
straint.'
"sYou are foolish.' exclaimed one of
the gamblers, turning toward the quiet
man. you are not armed, and even If
you were Capt. Aclc would kill you. l
am the man from whom you say he pur-
loincd the bills. saw the action 5u. did
not dare to interpose.'
$50 this is Capt. Aiclc p said the young
gentleman. Il have heard of him. He
has very unsavory reputation in New
Orleans. II well constructed reports be
true, he is not only thief, but muir
derer.'
"'Get out OF nv way" howled the cap
tain, and, struggling, he threw his COM
panions aside and sprang forward. Like
sudden revolution of q Wheel-like an
action whose quickness cannot be cUntem-
| plated-thc young man drew dcrringcr
and sent ball through the captain brain,
killing him instantly.
Gentlemen said the quiet man, be-
ginning to talk ere the smoke lifted, i had
more than one reason for committing this
deed; was insultcd, as you saw, and was
| in danger, rs you know; but, worst of all,
that man murdered my father. / did not
contemplate killing him, but, rs said, l
would have granted pardon for his INSULT
ing taunts. From the first, though, l
contemplated his arrest, which | should
have accomplished had he not attempted
| to take my life. i am sorry that have
caused such confusion, and hope that
you will all, as know God will, forgive
me-
ale walked away, gracefully bowling
| to some one who hurried TO the scene OF
the tragedy. The boat was soon landed.
The captains acquaintances took charge
of the body and went ashore. We were
soon OH our way again, and but for GER
tain little influences that hung around no
one would have known that tragedy
had been enacted. Our band Of music, a
common steamboat feature In those days,
struck up lively air, and the only sug-
gestive remembrance OF the captains
death was the wet carpet whore boy had
mopped away the blood.
at was late at night when | reached
my landing. Alone | made my way to
the nearest house, where, after my Dusi-
ness was known, was kindly received.
Next day attended church and was ut
once escorted to the pulpit, behind which
some half dozen preachers were seated.
A wcll-known minister arose and said
that two preachers from New Orleans had
arrived. Brothers Jackson (mysclf) and
Madison, and that Brother Mableson
would first address the congregation.
The gentleman arose, and imagine my
surprise when recognized in tho preacher
the quiet young gentleman who had killed
the captain. He delivered an eloquent,
powerful sermon, and after services ap-
preached me, and, extending his hand,
said:.
"'You must excuse me for not making
myself known to you. 1 kept my iden-
tlty under q cloak of caution. When |
boarded the boat recognized my fathers
murderer, and thought that If revealed
my identity my plans might be frustrated.
AS said, only intended to follow and
arrest him at the next town, but you SEQ
how 1t resulted
"Years have passed since then, years OF
intimate acquaintance between the quiet
young man and me. Some time ago, after
successful life, closed his eyes In
death. He smiled with sublime willing
ness, and went without groan. l never
knew a truer or kinder-hearted man. -
Arkdnsdw Traveller.