The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-02-08

hoI KNOW on wnat accusation he was ar
rested. The officer drew out a warrant
with An affidavit affixed alleging, that on
certain day of last week, Bill Fletcher,
alias the Bird of the Forest, with gang
of four or FIVE others had assaulted and
robbed certail travellers in that county.
AS none Of the accompIices were named,
the constable could proceed no further
than to arrest Fletcher wherever he might
find him in his bailiwick. Watt replied
to this that he could prove an alibi: For"
said he, " | was in North Carolina at the
time the warrant mentions, and I've this
morning crossed the line for the first time
in my lfe."
"All very well" said the officer, "pro-
duce your proof on the day of trial. My
duty l must perform at all hazards. You
will therefore accompany inc to the Court
House. II you are innocent your liberty
will not long be withheld. Next week is
Quarter Sessions, and you will then have
hearing"
Watt for moment thought Of shoot
ing him upon the spot, but biting his lip
to suppress ra se, reflected that he was in
nocent of the charge, and ,uight on the
day OF trial regain his liberty, whereas bv
assaiIing the officer he would be liable to
the penalty of The law which is very Sc
we're in that State. Afer pause of few
moments he said
81 surrender sir; my innocence is my
reliance; yet | must speak 10 my friends
before leave them." The constable Oh
serving Watts composure, did not refuse
to grant his request. Watt called the
eldest Of his men to one side and in Il half
whisper said:
"Go back to the Rock House and re-
moved everything that can give the least
clue to our club, and return, each of YOU.
to your home. am caught in an odd
PredIcament; tell the Mouutaineer to come
TO Court next week because by his evi-
dence 4 must establish my innocence OF
this dire act at least. Hear me. don't
forget the hawks scream" This confer
ence being ended they parted.
1t will be remembered that The Noun
taneer had told Watt to use the name of
Bill Fletcher whenever he crossed the
State line, for he (Fletcher.l was one of
the grand club, and ac;ed as Il runner be-
tween Tennessee and Kentucky, bui he
sometimes roved through The section
where Watt was arrested, and unluckiiy
for the Captain had committed a horrid
act OF open violence on some travellers at
the time alluded 70 in the warrant, which
deprived Watt Of bis liberty. The whole
country was in All uproar, but Wat knew
nothing OF The excitement that prevailed
against the individual, whose name he
bore, when he assumed it. However, he
started off with the officer. with no ore,,
apprehension as 10 his imprisonment in
that case; yet he feared that suspicion
might arouse enquiries concerning his for
mer life and possibly hc might be expo
sed as the Robber of the Rock House, for
he did not know what his followers MIGHT
do after he left them; they might, in or
der to get clear it necessity required, tel
all their transactions in their camp. The
officer conducted him 10 ;he county prison,
winch was a common log building, vet
OelnS well fortified with strong doors and
IRON bars, he entertained no hope of esca-
P'ng' he therefore, patiently awaited his
Trial. The day at length arrived, in which
he was TO appear in Court, and it seemed
as though tie whole country were to set
IN lnJudgment on the trial against him. Ex.
eltement was rife among the people: thev
had heard this, that, and the other about
the Bird of the Forest, yet no one could
swear to his resemblance. Very few had
seen him, but he was in their opinion the
very man who headed the robbery n fort.
night since, and ought to be without iudoe
or jury, sent to the Penitentiarv. After
entering the Court Hall, he cast his ewes
around him to find if any of his friends
were present. In vain did lie expect his
cid friend the Moun.aineer. Circumstan.
ees had transpired to his disadvantage h.
was delayed in the sale Of his stock and
consequently had not appeared even at
The Rock House, therefore it was iu,possi-
bis for him to be at the trial.
Contrary TO his calculations Watt was
destitute Of defence, and must inevitably
be convicted. His suIlcn nature seemed
TO revive within; he felt rs he did, when
ne abandoned his fathers house, and neg
lected even to employ counsel. Many of
the witnesses testified to his size, voice.
manner and bearing; he wore the same
cut OF a coat; in every respect he was like
the vsritable Bill, il must be he, it cannot