Year: 1871

the kindness shown him while in his charge
and regretted that his escape might cause
him trouble, but as he had an opportunity
OF escaping, he took advantage of 1t, for he
had no idea of dying an ignominious death
for an act he was not guilty of, merely to
gratiiy the curiosity of gaping crowd.
Freedom was offered him, and he accepted
it, and he hoped he would yet be able to
prove his innocence.


This was about the subject of the letter,
and when it was published in the local pa
per there were some who were glad that
the boy had escaped the gallows.


Mr.. MERGERS property was, in his will,
all left to Frank, and it was found to be
considerable. Trustees assumed charge
OF it. and before long the quiet communi-
ty mad settled down to its usual routine,
and the murder and escape were in a
short time almost forgotten.


Ten years passed away, and no word of
the fugitive had been heard, and people
believed him dead. One exception was
She had never believed him dead, and
through her life had treasured Franks i'm
age in her inmost heart, the mystery that
hung around him but adding strength to
her regard. Her sisters had married, her
mother was dead, and together with her
father, they had lived at the old home
stead.


Business calling Mr.. Dewes TO Havana,
he took Mary with him, and they set sail
from Charleston in a fine ship running
south. They had been some days at sea,
when, in the dead of night the fearful cry
OF Fire" was heard, which aroused all
from slumber. In vain were efforts made
to quench the flames. The seamen in
fright rushed into the only available boat,
and it sank with them, and left them
struggling in the ocean, borne away by
the wind and the waves, while Mr.. Dewes
| and Mary, the captain of the ship and
few others, We're huddled away upon the
stern, awaiting the fearful doom that must
to all appearances overtake them.


"Sail, hop


The joyous cry came from the captain,
who had been stra:ning his eyes over the
| ocean, in hopes of seeing some vessel
coming to save them. Swiftly flying
towards them came a low, rakish, three
masted schooner, which ever and anon
sent up light, to prove to those on board
the burning ship that succor was near.


Hark! the deep boom of a gun is heard,
and as the captain listens he exclaims,
"Miss Dewes, we are all right now cheer
up. for there comes vessel of war to our
aid"


"Ship ahoy'' came in ringing tones
from the schooner, as she came near the
burning ship, which was being driven rap
idly along by the wind.


''Ahoy," answered the captain.


Throw a long line from your ship, and
| will send You boat" came in the same
clear tones aaa


The line was thrown, the boat attached,
and, after a little difficulty. the people
from the ship were transferred to the
schooner, and Mary was soon in the COM
Portable cabin, rejoicing over their escape
from horrible death.


| At breakfast the next morning the young
captain of the war schooner descended to
join his guests at the table, and as he en-
tered, Mary sprang towards him.
| Frank Mercer! Oh! it is you-is it
not?


One glance at the beautiful girl, and
| though years had passed, Frank Mercer
for it was no other r-recognized the play
mate whom he had loved so well, and
whom he had never ceased to think of.
Mr.. Dewes came forward, and what
joyful meeting was there but seeing q
cloud as if of bitter memories, came over
the young captains face, Mr.. Dewes said,
First let me relieve your mind of one
thing. Your innocence in Virginia has
been fully established; for negro runa-
way, hung the other day for killing
woman, confessed Just before his death
that he had murdered your uncle, and
your arriving when you did had prevented
him from getting the gold, but he made his
escape from the house. He knew your
uncle kept large amount of money, and
you being away, as he thought, he
procured your knife, and with it, commit
ted the fatal deedr'


Frank listened to Mr.. Dewes, almost
| breathless, and then. when he had con-
| cluded, he bowed his face and wept like
child


but, come in," said Mr.. Dewes, at
length, 1--WE are hungry and need break
fast; and are dying to know how You be
came captain in the Mexican navy"


"My story is easily told, my dear friends;
but, after escaping from prison through
your kindness, | went to Mexico. entered
| the navy, and, having rendered some SER
vice, rose to my present command, which
has been the means of saving your lives"
| Little more can be added.


Frank resigned his commission and re-
turned home, where he was lionized by
the entire community. He came in pos
session of his estate, which was greatly
increased in value; and in six months af-
terwards in the very town where he was
to have had the hangman's halter placed
around his neck for death, he had the
moose of matrimony thrown around him
for life, and the bride was Mary Dewes
Thus his life hail been both dark and
bright in a remarkable degree.