The Dickinson press., 1897-01-16
FouDd Guilty.
At an experience meeting one night
John Henry cOnfessed:

At an experience meeting one night
John Henry confessed:
"1'zc broke cbry one OBJ de Ten Com
mandments over'n over agin; but,
I-awd be praised, the dcbbil can't take
away my religun!''
Finally, young Rloodgood. of the gen.
eral store, undertook John Henry's
reformation. He decided upon plan
OF action that was highly original. and
let number of young fellows. scions
OF the Bushrols, Washingtons and Cut
ters. into the secret. Life was not over
exciting in the county. SO that all en-
tered heartily into what seemed to
give promise of a good joke.
Young Emslie. who had just come
down from Baltimore to visit the Bush
rods. was unknown to John Henry. so
that the delicate commission of turing
him on WAS entrusted to him. John
Henry proved innocent and unsuspect-
ing. and his confidence was secured by
means of, n gift of paper of bad
smoking tobacco and pint of worse
whisky. Then Emslie said mystcri-
ously:
Look here. uncle. has any one died
recently in these parts:"
No. Mars Emslie," said John Henry,
who was buried Ovah month ago"
The very thing" said Emslic. "Can
trust YOU with secret. John HenryY'
Deed an you kin, sah."
well. it isn't known here, but I'm
medical student in Baltimore. What
came down here for is cadaver
You know what that is. don't you?'
Its bird. amt it:' said John
Henry. thougbtfully. "'Tain't buz-
Zard. reckon"
NO. no." said Emslic. sinking his
voice almost to whisper. Its a
dead body. What want is old Eph-
rain. and I'll give you $50 If you'll help
me get him.
An if we git caught:" said John
Henry obviously.
"Oh. we will be hanged. of COURSE"
said Emslie cheerfully. Are you viii.
ling to take the chances for S2O?"
John Henry said he thought he was
Very well. them" said Emslie
Meet me at IL tonight at the colored
graveyard and bring spade with
YOU
John Henry promised to do so. and
Emslie returned to Bloodgood and the
rest to report.
1.-The black rascal" said Bloodgocd in
disgust. Didn't tell you he'd rob
the dead:"
The night was without moon, and
everything favored the iniquitous pro-
ceeding. At 12 Emslie met John Henry
at the designated place. which was not
a cheerful one. to say the least. for an
appointment.
We'll, you're here. see," he said.
Have you brought spade with you?
Now show me old Ephraim's grave"
John Henry led the way through a
tanslc Of blackberry bushes and creep
ers. His knees were beginning to
knock under him. Now dig!' com.
manded Emslie when the other paused
before a freshly made mound. Lets
get through with this business as soon
as we can"
John Henry took of his coat prepara-
tory to beginning his ghastly work.
Before he put his spade into the
ground he looked around for another
reassuring glance at his companion.
But Emslie had mysteriOusly disap-
peared.
Almost at the same time number
of dark forms rose up as mysteriously
on all sides around them. John Henry
was so frightened that he fell down on
his knees. He thought they were dell
izens of the place seeking vengeance
until he heard stern voice, which he
recognized as Col Was,ington's, say:
$50 we've caught you red-handed,
you scoundrcl! Light Il lantern. some
Of you, and we'll see who it is"
In the glare Of the match John Hen
~ noticed that every one wore a black
half mask and carried shotgun. He
endcavored to collect his frightened
wits.
Deed l amt did muffin wrong" he
cXpostulated. "Fo' Gawd, l amt, gem
nlcn!"
''Then what are you doing here at
this hour:'
Il JUS come in to weep ovah ole
Ephum's grave
Yes, and brought spade with
YOU said Col. Washington. "Why,
as l live, it's the very spade you bor-
rowetl from me over 4 month ago"
"Yaas, sir" said John Henry lamely,
II WIZ on NY way ter return hit ter
yer"
"What shall we do with him:" asked
Col. Washington, turning to his com.
panions. "Hang him to the nearest
trec?'
"Oh, hanging is too good for him.
said another. Lets cut him to pieces
a little bit at time.'
NO" intcrposed a third, 'he ought
to have fair trial. Let's take him tc
Justice TaintOr's and give him a fail
trial"
THAT'S So" came the gruff chorus
"He ought to have fair trial. Wei
take him to Justice Taintor's.
Justice Taintor was already prepared
for their coming. Nevertheless he pre-
tended to be awakened from q sount
sleep. and after while came dowl
and lit the lamp i'll the little bare room
in which he held court.
When the facts were made known t,
him lie consented to an immc6iat,
trial, which proved to be exceedingl,
humorous to all except the prisoner
Col. Washington made ou: a stron,
case for the prosecution, and then MI
Blackburn. who had been appointed t.
represent John Henry's interests, arose
II admit everything Col. Washington
has said, and MORE" he began. "Hade
is too good for John Henry. The devi
couldn't keep a chicken if he wa
around. l hope you won't send hin
there, judge, for by so doing you'll onl,
increase the immortality Of the place.
The jury found the quaking prisonc
guilty without leaving their seats, an,
then Justice Taintor turned to him an,
said:
"John Henry, if the law took IT
proper course you would be plunge,
like a human doughnut in vat O
boiling oil. But we have no vat o
boiling oil, so l am going to give 70,
Il chance. Gentlemen, go outside an,
have your guns ready. AS the prisone
runs blaze away at him as many time
as you like, and if he gets off with hi
life well and good"
John Henry started, and for awhil
1t sounded like bellum ties. Once Ii
fell. and a gun was placed very clos
tn tho Soaf of 1,ia 1rooohno h,,t od1l