Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-02-18

4
all the mercenary bowie-knives of the pro
fessional desperadoes Of the frontier. Henc
in several murdererous affrays the awoo'
rats" had been put to bloody and ignom
inious fight. To this general rule of uni
form defeat however, there had been o
late single exception. A young "woot
rat" had slain one of the most celebrated
champions of "horostocracy," for infamous
" slandering his sister. He had been ar
rested, chained and cast into dungeon
and this second Monday of September
1889, was the day set apart for his trial.
All the "wood rats" of the region, muster
ed in the court yard, to see if their comradt
had fair play aud brought along theil
trusty rifles as corps de reserre, to be or
dered up in case of necessity. The last
man of the Hhoristocracy" also attended tc
keep the prosecution in countenance; and
thus as all the leaders and retainers OF
both sides were throughly weaponed, and
excited nearly to madness by the fumes Of
passion and the deadlier flames of alcohol
the most horid consequences might be ap-
pretended. 81
The forum was an immense building
amply provided with galleries; and yet,
ere the morning sun had measured one
fourth of his bright way to the blue zenith,
hall and galleries, doors and windows were
all crowded to only one degree below suf-
location. Nevertheless, one great good
resulted from the annoying evil. In this
conglomerate press, it would be impossible
for the opposing factions TO use firearms,
and, should they really come to the s'tug Of
mortal strife" bowieknives would be terri
bly, stinted for free space and full hand
sweep.
AT the pre-appointed hour, Judge Tully
assembled the bench, pale and trembling in
every nerve, and yet not daring to risk the
imputation of cowardice by resorting to n
timely adjournment. s-s5.l ~
The prisoner, Henry Martin was ushered
into the court followed BY the Sheriff and
guard. He was rather handsome coun-
try youth, of not more than eighteen, tall,
straight, strong as lion, with bravery
stamped on his brow as with seal of red
hot iron. He was attended by that beau
tiful sister, Mary, two years yonger than
himself, for whose sake he had committed
the act that had loaded him with those
chains-the act for which he must shortly
suffer.
He was arranged, ordered to hold up his
right hand and the j, dictment was read.-
SGuilty, or not guily!" interrcgated the
clerk.
The bold youth turned to the court and
said, noirely-aJudse, can't tell you lie
l did kill Col. Wallace, for he abused my
sister, bat I gave him fair fight, Every
body knows that"
The plebeian party thundered applause,
but the Fayetteville Clique hissed an omin-
Gus murmor.
"Mr Martin have you any counselw
asked the Judge.
No sir" answered the prisoner, "I'm
too poor to fee lawyers, besides they've all
been bought up by the horostocracy.-
Lawyers, you know, like buzzards, always
fock to the fattest carcass"
"Will no legal gentleman volunteer for
the accused? q inquired his honor, glanc-
ing around the circle of "green bags" with
in the bar.
"May it please the court, am engaged"
sAnd l." 'And l." responded two dozen
and two bland oily voices. "Then fear
the case must be postponed" remarked
Judge Tully, with relieved look of joy,
that said,-"In my heart, l am devilish
glad of it."
await a few moments judge" entrcated
The young prisoner earnestly: II expect
Fent Noland."
The Judge startled half away from his
seat with astonishment. The bravest mem
Ders of the bar turned pale, and the whole
crowd hummed with sudden agitation, like
D beehive Jared by the fling of heavy
stone. Fent Noland! The name operated
as a spell of witchcraft. Had the prisoner
said, 81 expect the arch-fiend to appear in
proper person and defend me-" the an
could not have inspired more
intense panic. And yet strange as it may
seem, not one individual present knew
Fent holland save by report and general
character. He lived at the farthest ex-
tremity of the State. But the name itself
vas thunderbolt of terror. He was IA
nous as dead shot-a duelist, whose aim
was sure as death, and quick as the tighten
ing from the cloud.
"Are you acquainted with Fent Noland 2"
asked the amazed judge.
"No, Sir" rejoined the accused; "but
we had all heard Of him, and sister wrote
10 him for me, and be sent us letter,
to be here to day."
At this moment person was seen ell
oowing his way through the crowd. He
advanced to the bar, and, after whispering
\ few words in the prisoners ear, address
I'd the court-"your honor may proceed
with the case. l am ready to defend Mr..
Martin"
"YouT' exclaimed Judge Tully in a
.one of mingled wonder and contempt
The appearance and garb of the stranger
night seem to warrant; full his honor's
manifest emotion. He was of slight fra
.ile frame, with golden curls floating down
lis shoulders and complexion pale and
lelicate as that of girl in consumption.
N short, his personal was TO the last degree
and hence served to render more
triking his extraordinary costume. He was
labited all over in smoked, greasy suit
If buckskin. His small feet were shod
With bright-beaded moccasins and he Wore
IN his head a panther-skin cap with the
all on. A shot-pouch Of ample dimen-
'lons swung under his left arm, while
patent rife-the deadly eight-shooter OF
Colt lay poised in his snowy little hand.