Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-10-23
A REFOR NATION

who was buried ovah month ago"
THE very thing" said Emslie. "Can
trust you with secret, John Henry?'
"'Deed an vo' kin, sab"
"well, 1t Isn't known here, but I'm
medical student In Baltimore. What l
came down here for Is a cadaver. You
know what that is, don't your
ats bird. amt itT' said John Hen
~ thoughtfully. "'Tain't buzzard, l
reckon"
"No. no." said Emslie, sinking his
voice almost to a whisper. TITS dead
body. What | want is old Ephraim,
and I'll give you 500 II you'll help me
get him"
"An' IL we git caught?" said John
Henry obviously.
"Oh, wen be hanged, of course" said
Emslie cheerfully. "Are you willing to
take the chances for S20T'
John Henry said he thought he was.
every well. then" said Emslie. Meet
me at II tonight at the colored grave
yard and bring a spade with YOU"
John Henry promised to do so, and
Emslle returned to Bloodgood and the
rest to report.
1.-THE black rascalr' said Bloodgood
in disgust. Didn't tell you he'd rob
the deadT
The night was without a moon, and
everything favored the Ubiquitous pro-
ceeding. At IL Emslie met John Henry
at the designated place, which was not
cheerful one, to say the least, for an
appointment.
well, you're here, see" he said.
"Have you brought spade with your
Now show me old Ephraim's grave"
John Henry led the way through
tangle Of blackberry vines and creep
ers. His knees were beginning to knock
under him. Now dig" commanded
Emslie when the other paused before a
freshly made mound. Lets get
through with this business us soon as
we can"
John Henry took Off his coat prepare
tory to beginning his CHASTITY work. Be-
fore he put his spade into the ground
he looked around for another reassur-
ing glance at his companion. But Ems
lie had mysteriously disappeared.
Almost at the same time a number of
dark forms rose up as mysteriously on
all sides around him. John Henry was
so frightened that he fell down on his
knees. He thought they were the
denizens of the place seeking venge-
4.
which he recognized as Colonel Wash
ington's. say:
so we've caught you red handed.
you scoundrel! Light lantern. some
of you, and Wen see who 1t Is"
In the glare OF the match John Henry
noticed that every one wore a black
half mask and carried a shotgun. He
endeavored to collect his frightened
wits.
"Deed / amt did muffin wrong" be
expostulated. "Fo' Gawd l amt, gem
menu
Then what are you doing here at
this hourf"
Il JUS come in ter weed ovah ole
Ephum's grave"
Eyes, and brought spade with you"
said Colonel Washington. "Why, as i
live, it's the very spade you borrowed
from me over a month ago"
"Yaas, SIR" said John Henry lamely.
Il wuz on my way ter return hit to
YER
What shall we do with him." asked
Colonel Washington. turning to his
mt -.
nearest tree|
"Oh. hanging's too good for him."
said another. Lets cut him to pieces,
a little bit at time"
NO." interposed a third; "he ought
to have a fair trial. Let's take him to
Justice Taintor's and give him fair
trial"
That's So" came the grufr chorus.
HE ought to have fair trial. Wen
take him to Justice Taintor's."
Justice Talntor was already prepared
for their coming. Nevertheless he pre-
tended to be awakened from a sound
sleep. and after awhile came down and
lit the lamp in the little bare room in
which he held court.
him. he consented to an immediate
trial. which proved to be exceedingly
humorous to all except the prisoner.
Colonel Washington made out a strong
case for the prosecution. and then Mr..
Blackburn, who had been appointed to
represent John Henry's interests, arose.
II admit everything Colonel Wash
ington has said, and more" he began.
blades is too good for John Henry.
The devil couldn't keep chicken IL he
was around. / hope you won't send
him there, judge. for by SO doing you'll
only increase the immortality of the
place."
The jury found the quaking prisoner
guilty without leaving their seats. and
then Justice Taintor turned to him and
said:
John Henry, If the law took its
proper course, you would be plunged
like human doughnut in a vat of boil