) The prisoner is clearly guilty. Why, the
fellow practically confesses it. We ought to put some stop to the
killing and general rascality up there in the settlement. Our section is
fast becoming a monstrous blot on the fair name of the Commonwealth!
(Dillingham again.) What is there left for us to do but carry out the
law? What is there left for----' My voice died away weakly. Something in
the Colonel's face effectually blasted my budding eloquence. At that
moment I felt myself a greater criminal than Hardy or any of his gang.
"Colonel Ross tapped the floor impatiently with his crutch. He was a
testy man, but much was borne from him.
[Illustration: Colonel Ross addressing the jury.]
"'Gentlemen,' said he, his eyes flashing, 'I verily think that the good
God above in His great wisdom and mercy picked out this jury Himself. I
am sure He did. Now, listen to me. It will not take long.
"'We have all had a tedious two weeks of it, haven't we? The weather has
been warm; our business neglected; some of us have sick ones at home we
are anxious to see; and we are all losing our health and temper in this
close confinement. And I by no means omit the dreadful meals at the
Darby House. But, gentlemen, rather than come over to you and hang Eph
Hardy, I would stay here forever! Not, indeed, that there is any danger
of that, for the Judge will discharge us pretty soon if we do not come
to terms.
Pages:
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59