The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1873-02-21
4 JURYNEAN'S STORY.

We had been out only twenty-four hours.
and stood eleven to one. The case was a
very plain one-at least we eleven thought
SO.
A murder of peculiar atrocity had heen
committed, and though no eye witnessed
the deed, circumstances pointed to the pris-
Oner's guilt with unfSiling certainty The
recusant juror had stood out from Che first
lie Heacknowledged the cogency of the proofs
confessed his inability to reconcile the facts
with the defendants innocence, and vet
on every vote went steadily for acquittal
His conduct was inexplicable. 1t could
not result from lack of intelligence for
while he spoke but little, his words were
well chosen, and evinced a thorough un-
Outstanding of the case. Though still in
the prime of manhood, his locks were pre-
maturely white, and his face wore a singu-
lar and thoughtful expression. He might
be one Of those who entertained sCruples
as to the right of society to inhict the death
penalty. But no, it was not that for in
reply TO such q suggestion he frankly ad-
mitted that brutal men, like the violent
brutes they resemble, must be controlled
through fear, and that dread of death, the
supreme terror, is III many cases the only
adequate restraint.
At the prospect of another night Of fruit
less imprisonment, we began TO grow i'm
patient, ana 6EpOSGutatSLI warmly at what
seemed to be an unreasonable CaptiOusneSc,
and some not -overkiud remarks were in
dulged in as to the improperly Of trifiing
with an oath like that under which we
were acting.
'.And vet" the man answered. as though
communicating with himself rather than
repeliing the imputation, cit is conscience
that hiDders my concurrence in 4 verdict
approved by my judgment"
l i lot
once.
conscience may not always dare to fol
low Judgment"
But here she can know no other guide"
81 once would have said the same"
''And what has changed your opinion ?''
Experience"
The speakers manner was visibly agita-
ted, and we waited in silence the explaua-
tion which he seemed readyVO give.
Mastering his emotion, as If to answer
our looks of inquiry he continued
Twenty years ago ! was young, begin
ming life. Few had brighter prospects and
none brighter hopes. An attachment da-
ting from childhood ripened with it's object
There had been no verbal declaration and
acquaintance Of love-no formal plighting
of troth-but when I took my departure TO
seek home in the distant West, it was a
thing understood, that when ! found it and
put it in order, she was to share it.
Life in the forest, though solitary, is
not necessarily lonesome. The kind OF so
ciety afforded by nature depends much on
ones self. As for me, lived more in the
future than in the present, and hope was
an ever cheerful companion.
''At length the time came for making
the final payment on the home which l had
bought 1t would henceforth be my own;
and III few months, my simple dwelling.
which l had spared no pains to render in
cod
AT the land Office, which was some six
tv miles distant, met my friend George c.
He too, had come to seek his fortune in
the West, and we were both delighted at
the meeting. He had brought with him,
he said. a sum of money which he desired
to invest in land, on which it was his pur-
pose to settle.
Il expressed a strong wish to have him
for a neighbOT, and gave him cordial IN
vitation to accompany me home, giving Il
as my belief that he could nowhere make
a better selection than in that vicinity He
readily consented, and we set out together.
We had not ridden many miles ere George
suddenly recOllected a commission he had
undertaken for n friend, which required
his attendance at public land sale on the
following day. Exacting a promise that
he would not delay his visit longer than
necessary, and having given minute direc-
way homeward, while he turned back. |
was about retiring to bed on the night of
nav return, when summons from without
called me tozthe door. A stranger asked
shelter for himself and his horse for the
night
Though a stranger, his face seemed not
unfamiliar. He was probably one Of the
men | had seen at the land ofiice-a place
! much frequented. Offering him seat, |
went to see to his horse. The poor animal,
as well as could see by the starlight, had
! had hard usage. His painting sides bore
! witness of mercilesS riding, and tremu-
| lous shrinking at the slightest touch be-
| tokened recent fright.
''On re-entering the house l found the
stranger was not there his absence excl
| ted no surprise; he would douuCless return.
/ 1t was little singular, however, that he
| should have left his watch on the table.
cat the end of half an hour, my guest
/ not returning ! went out out again to the
/ stable thinking he might have found his
| way thither to give personal attention to the
| wants OF his horse.
"Before going out, from mere force o
! babit-for we were as yet uninfeSted 10y
/ either thieves or policemen took the pre-
J caution of putting the strangers watch II
/ a drawer in which kept my valuables.
foupd the horse IS had left him, and gave
/ him the food he was now sufficiently cooled
! ~ he allowed to eat, but his master wal
novyEere to be seen. As l approached the
7 - d, .--C-cd Ofnen on horseback dasheC