Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-01-08
AEsCENE IN A JURY ROOM.
A THRILLING STORY.

J
Jury" I plead in all manner Of ways,
for release, but 10 no effect. could not
swear that Twas deaf, nor blind, nor yet
non conlpos but did tell them that I
had already formed an opinion. They
asked me if my opinion would prevent
me from receiving the testimony III good
faith, and rendering verdict according
to it. replied that of course I should
weigh the evidence carefully, and be
governed by it. I was then informed
that 1 q would do
The case TO be tried was one Of arson
then a capital ofence-and the prison
er at the bar was a young man, named
Charles Ambold, whom l had known
from boyhood, and who was naturally
one Of the finest youths Of the town
where he resided. He had a widowed
mother who depended upon him for sup
mort; and his circle of friends was large
and choice. I was morally certain that
lsid not commit the crime, and hence,
lam sure, those who were friendly 10
aim got me on the panel, and had me
retained.
The trial commenced and we twelve
men took our seats in jury box. l had a
very respectable set with me-only there
was one man whom I didn't like to see
there. This man was MouIton Warren.
He was dark-faced, sinister looking
felow-at least to me. / knew that
young Ambold had one fault. He had
recently been addicted to drink, and had
been known TO visit disreputable houses.
1t was one of those houses that had been
burned, for setting fire to which be had
been apprehended.
Now l had often tried to dissuade
Charles Ambold from the course he was
pursuing. He had repeatedly promised
me that he would reform, and as repeat
edly had he broken away. l had often
talked to him of his poor mother, until
he had wept like child; but the effect
was not lasting. There was power ot
temptation more effective than any in.
fuence I could WELD. He would fal
away into this evil companionship, ant
for while his manhood was gone. One
Or two abandoned women had gained
great power over him and upon them ht
wasted much of his substance.
And l knew that this very man whl
was now upon this jury-the Moultol
Warren-was the one who had dom
more than all others to lead the poo
youth away. It was Warren who hat
drank with him, and who had led hin
away to those most abominable haunts 0
sin and pollution. Why was he upoi
the jury? I could only account for
upon the ground that Charley still sup
posed him to be his friend. The poo
scorched insect was still ignorant of til
flames that scorched him.
He really believed that Moulton War
ren was his friend.
The trial commenced. The indict
ment set forth that Charles Ambold haC
with malice aforethoueht," and with a
sorts of wicked and felonious intents, st
fire to certain dwelling house, thereb
endangering human life. This dwellini
as I have already intimated, was 10
sink of iniquity, where the abandoned
both sexes were wont to congregate; an
where the youthful prisoner had spel
much of his time.
The evidence for the prosecution can
on, and I was startled. One after anoth
gave in their testimony, some Of the
very reluctantly, and l was frightene
when l saw how plainly it all pointed
Il the prisoner as the guilty party. Sc
eral credible witnesses swore that tht
had heard him threaten to burn the hou
down and others had heard him S;
that he a1isbed q was burned down :
Il Then came several witnesses-three
4 the prominent citizens-who saw hi
& lurking about the premises on the mig
E Of the fire.
+ With regard to the provoeation on t
+ prisoners part for such deed it was pre-
ed, upon his own admission, that he h
been illtreated there, and that he h
sworn to have revenge. And furth,
more, it was proved that he had be
heard TO say that his salvation of Sc
e and body depended upon the destructi
Of that house. Next came more tes
mony stronger still
The fire had been set in back ba
ment room, where shavings and oti
stun tor kindling were kept. Entrar
uao been gained through back W
uo"' which had been partly pried OF
with L