American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1866-05-12
: An Accommodating Judge.

ing portion Of which we give-is told by
Judge J., ofJackson. Texas. and John
Rolfe, a backwoodman. Role. a tall
hunter, dressed in deerskin, and armed
with a revolver, rife and bowie-knife,
visits Jackson. calls on the Judge at bis
residence with the narrasor). and thus
relieves his mind:
You see. Judge. early day before
yesterday morning, l started for this
place, and as wouldn't chisel, l went
without. eating the whole day. I slept in
the woods. and yesterday morning got
up as hungry as a panther and as l
walked along, thinks I, what am to do?
never see game so scarce there wasn't
so much as a squirrel to be found. I'm
above cheating any man out OF his
dinner, but l felt that dinner l must
have. Just then q fellow comes riding
along the road. talked TO him, and
tried to borrow. swearing to pay, at any
place he might name. in a week but the
critter told me he paid his way out of his
own pocket, and he'd too little 10 d.
vide.
"How much have you got. said l.
"Two-6fty," says be.
"Now, thinks l, that is too little 10 divide.
So, while he's looking another way. |
shoots him thro' the head, and gin him
as decent burial as l could under an
old log. and took the two dollars and a
half. But it won't do my conscience
misgiyes me. I'm sorry for it, and wish
the Teller had his money back. if be could
be alive. Between you and me, as it's
late for that, think that ought to be
hung"
The Judge called his little black boy,
ordered three papers Of tobacco, and we
smoked in silence.
Then you really think you ought to
be hung ?" be said with compassion, as
he whitfield cloud Of smoke toward the
ceiling
Il do, in fact" answered Role. emit
ting similar volume Of vapor.
The judge smoked, and considered
again.
"well. we'll try to hang you" he
added.
There was an expression Of gratitude
in Rolle's eyes as he replied.
Thank you. That will ease my con-
science"
The judge again knocked the ashes
from his pipe, and spoke
"Wel, come here in half an hour.
III try to geta jury"
Rolfe and myself having our pipes on
the table, were about leaving. when
the Judge asked us to take drink,
which having done We babe him good
morning.
At the expiration Of half an hour, We
returned, when we found some twelve
men drinking and smoking with the
magistrate, awaiting US. We were politely
requested TO ST, down.
Now" said the Judge, addressing
himself to Rolfe, "tell the gentlemen
what you have already told me-"
Whereupon Rolfe repeated the state
ment be had before made.
Now, gentlemen" continued the FIRST
speaker. Il wish TO say if this gentleman
Mr. Role your name is Ell well,
there's some fine old brandy; make your
self perfectly at home, gentlemen, you
find John Role guilty, or not guilty Of
murder. In addition to what he said, |
will observe for your Information, that /
have sent out and found the body ust
where he stated it to be-"
The jury smoked, rose up, took little
brandy and water, and then sat down
again, and smoked in silence for some
time. At last one Of them who appear
ed to be the foreman. said:
1.-THE case is tolerably clear. and rnth
er we think he's guilty"
There's more tobacco on the table"
said the Judge 10 Rolfe, "the best you
can find anywhere. You have heard what
these gentlemen have said. WE'LL" he
continued, little uneasily, IL don't like
TO tell you in my own house ="
Let that be no bindrance," said Role,
filing and lighting his pipe.
"Well, theD." continued the judge,
"come here at ten O'Clock tomorrow
morning, and III have you hung"
Role looked discontinued, and appear
ed mortified at the idea of asking ia
vor.
"You-you have been SO kind TO me-"
be said, hesitatingly, THAT l hardly like
to ask you for anything more"
mo. at ALL" replied the judge. "out
with il; you are welcome to it before
you ask"
WELL" said Rolfe, II wisb-to-mor-
row is my sgue day. and the shakes
come on at ten-would you be so good