The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-02-18
! THE DEAD ALIVE.
- "a =
q A DOCTORS STORY. =

often heard him relate the following
anecdote:
One day he had procured the bodies
of two deserters, who had been hung,
for anatomy. and not being able to find
the key of the dissecting room at the
moment the two subjects were brought,
he ordered them to be deposited IN
room contiguous to his bedroom.
During the evening DR.. B. wrote as
usual previous to retiring to rest. Inc
clock had Just struck one, and all the
family slept soundly; when all at once
dull sound proceeded from the room
containing the bodies.
Thinking that perhaps the cat had
been shut there by mistake. he went to
see what could he the cause Of the un-
expected noise. What was his astonish-
nent. or rather his horror, on discov-
sring that the sack that contained the
bodies was torn asunder and on go
ing nearer. he found that one OF the
bodies was missing!
The doors and windows had been
fastened with the greatest care, ana 1t
seemed impossible that the body could
have been stolen. The good doctor felt
rather nervous on remarking this, and
1t was not without an uneasy sensa-
lion that he began to look about him,
when to his horror and amazement ne
perceived the missing corpse sitting
upright in the corner.
Poor DR.. B., at this unexpected ap-
partition became transfixed with terror
which was increased by observing the
dead and stnken eyes OF the corpse
fixed on him; whichever way he moved,
those dreadful eyes still followed him.
The worthy doctor more dead than
alive, now began to beat a quick re-
treat, without, however, losing slght OF
the object of his terror; he retreated
step by step, one hand holding the can
die. the other extended in search OF
the door, which he at length gained;
but there is no escape, the spectre hao
risen and followed him, whose livid
features, added to the lateneSS OF the
hour and the stiffness of the night,
seem to conspiye to deprive the poor
doctor of the little strength and cour-
age he has left; his strength fails, his
candle falls from his hand, and the
terrible scene was now in complete
darkness.
The good doctor has gained his apart
ment and thrown himself on the bed;
but the fearful spectre has still follow
ed hint has caught him, and selzes
hold OF his feet with both hands. At
this climax of terror the doctor loudly
exclaimed, Who ever you are, leave
nep' At this the spectre let go his hold
and moaned feebly these words: PITY,
good hangman! have pity on me-! The
good doctor now discovered the mys-
terry, and regained little by little his
composure. He explained to the Grim
inal who had so narrowly escaped
death, who he was, and prepared to call
up some Of his family.
DO you, then wish to destroy me?"
exclaimed the criminal IF / am dis
covered, my adventure will become pub
lie, and | shall be brought to the scat
fold second time. In the name Of
humanity, save me from death!"
The poor doctor did not we'll know
what means to take to save the poor
creature. He could not keep him in his
house, and to turn him out would be
to expose him to certain death. The
only way then was to get him into the
country: so having made him dress
himself in some old clothes which the
kind-hearted doctor selected from his
wardrobe, he left town early accom-
panied by his protege, whom he rep
resented as his assistant in a difficult
case upon which he had been called.
When they had got into the open
country the wretched creature threw
himself at the feet of his benetactor
and liberator, to whom he swore an
eternal gratitude; and the generous
doctor having relieved his wants by a
small sum of money, the grateful crea-
ture left him with many blessings and
prayers for his happiness.
About twelve years after this occur
renee, DR.. B. had occasion to visit
Amsterdam. Having gone one day to
the bank, he was accosted by we'll
dressed man-who had been pointed out
to him as one OF the most opulent mer-
chants Of the city.
The merchant asked him politely If
he was not DR.. B., of London; and on
his answering in the affirmative, press
ed him to dine with him at his house,
which invitation the worthy doctor ac-
cepted. On arriving at the merchant s
house he was ehown into an elegant
apartment, where most charming wo-
man and two lovely children welcom-
ed him in the most friendly manner
which reception surprised him the
more, coming as it did from persons he
had never before met.
After dinner, the merchant having ta-
ken him into his counting house, seized
mis- hand, and having pressed it with
friendly warmth, sad to him:
''Do you recollect EeY -.
NO" sad the doctor.
"Well, then, | remember you we'll,
and your features viii never be obhter-
from my memoTy-for % you owe
~ life. Do you remember the poor
deserter? On leaving you l want to
Holland. Writing a good hand, and
being also good accountant, l soon
obtained situation as clerk in a mer-
chants office. My good conduct and
zeal soon gained for me the confidence
Of my employer, and the affection OF
his dauphtpr Whom ha ratirad from