The weekly Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1872-1887, 1875-03-13
A JHrymun's Story.

We had been out of the court twenty
four hours, and stood eleven to one. The
case was very pain onc-at least we
eleven thought so. 4 murder of peculiar
atrOcity had been committed; and though
10 eye had witnessed the deed circum-
stances pointed to the prisoners guilt with
unfniling certainty.
The rccusant juror had st0ad out from
the first. lie acknowledged the cogcncy
of the proofs, confessed his inability to
reconcile the facts with the defendants
inpoccEcc, and yet, on every vote, went
steadily for acquittal. His conduct was
incxplicahlc. II could not result from u
lack Of intelligence; for, while he spoke
but little, his words were well chosen,
and cvinced thorough understanding Of
the case.
Though still in the prime of manhood
his locks were prcmaturcly white and his
face wore II singularly sad and thoughtful
expression. lie might be one of those
who entertained scruplcs rs to the right
Of society to inflict the death penalty.
But no it was not that; for, in reply to
such suggestion, he frankly admitted
that brutal men, like the vicious brutcs
they resemble, must he controlled through
fear, and that dread of death, the supreme
terror, is in many cases the only adequate
restraint.
At the prospect of another night of
fruitlcss imprisonment we began to grow
impatient, and Gxpostulatcd warmly
against what seemed an unreasonable cap
tiOusncss; and fomc not over kind re-
marks were inlulgcd in rs TO the impro-
Pricty Of trii'ing with an oath like that
under which VIC were acting.
"And yet" the man answered, us though
communing with himself, rather than re-
pclling tho imputation, ait is conscience
that lIindcrs my concurrence III verdict
approved by my Judgment"
"llow can that bcf" qucricd several at
once.
"Consciencc may not always dare to
follow Judgment"
'l'ut here she can know no other
guide"
81 once would have saii the same"
"And what has changed your opinion"
"ESpcricncc." ....
The speakers manner was visibly ugi-
iatcd, and We waited in silence tIIr ex.
PLANTATION which hc seemed ready to give.
Mastering his emotion, rs if in answer Ia
our looks Of inquiry, lie continued.
"Twcnty years ago was young man,
just beginning life. Few had brighter
hopes. An attachment, dating from
childhood, had ripcncd with its object.
There had been no verbal declaration and
acceptance Of lovc---nu formal plighting
of troth; but when took my departure
to seek home in the distant Wet, IL was
thing understood, TINT when | found il
and put it IN order, she was to sharo il.
Life i'll the forest, though solitary, Is not
necessarily lonesome. Tho kind Of soci-
city afforded by nuturc, depends much on
ones self. as for Inc, lived moro in the
future than in tho present, and hope Is an
cv1r cheerful companion. At length the
time came for making tho final payment
ON the home which | had bought. IL
would hrnCcforwhrd DC my own; and In
few moro months, my simple dwelling,
which had spared no pains to render
inviting, would I've Eraccd by its mistress.
AT tho land Office, which was some six.
ty miles of, mel my old friend G.. lie,
too, had como Ia seek fortune in the
ifcHt; and wG wGrc both delighted Mt the
meeting. Tic had brought with him, he
said, sum Of money which hc desired TO
invest In land, on which Il wns his pur-
pose to settle. ] expressed q strong dc.
sire TO have him for ncighbor, and gave
him n cOrllial invitation to accompany
nc home, giving IL rs my belief TINT llc
could nowhere mako better selection
than IN that vicinity. lie readily con.
scented, and We SCI nut together. We had
not ridden many miles, when George sud.
denly rocollcctrd commission ho had
undertaken for friend, which would re.
puire his attendance ut n public land snlC
on the following day. Exacting prom.
iso that hc woudn delay his visit longer
than necessary, md giving minute dircc.
iions IA 10 tho route, continued my way
homcward while hc turned back.