San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-07-05
CHAPTER XIII.

dIIlS WllUlN up lltlb tIt dE.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE TRIAL.
1t is not my intention to trouble the reader
with chapters full of appeals I'D miSericOr-
diam, or TO pile up the agony in the manner
of the expert Manufacturer of sensational
fiction; though, if chose 30 do so, there is
plenty of material ready to my hand. have
NY doubts, perhaps, whether | am personal
ly interesting enough to sway the sympathy
of the tcnder-hcarted in the character of a
man unjustIy accused of the most horrible OF
human crimes. But the mere fact that sur
vive to write these lines is proof positive OF
one thimg-that ! was not hangedl So, on
that score At least, the reader may be per
feCtly easy in his mind.
The asslZeS came on some six weeks after
the date OF the inquest, and in the interim |
found that my darling did not fail to keep
her word. A firm III solicitors, instructed BY
her, undertook my defense; and though at
first ont of motives of pride, declined their
good offices, | was finally persuaded to ac-
cept them. Through their managing clerk,
| more than once received kindly messages
from Madeline: but not once did she appear
upon the scene personally until the day of
the trial came, when. on entering the dock,
saw her sitting by George Redruth's side in
the crowded court.
My aunt anu uncle were there, tOO-the
latter 50 worn and changed that | should
scarcely have recognized him; so was honest
John Rudd, together with other old friends
and acquaintanCcS But before the trial be-
gan, all those who were called Is witnesses
withdrew George Redruth among the mum.
Der. My darling remained in her place, close
to my counsel and solicitors. in the well be-
meath the Judges seat: and more than once,
in the course OF the proceedings, l saw her
whisper words of instruction and suggestion
to my defenders.
Thinking it all over again now, in the quiet
Of these Hfter-years, 1 am sure still, as | was
sure then, that her face helped TO save me.
Its pathetic beauty and sympathy, l believe,
touched the heart of the jury and wrought
wonders in my behalf Even the judge, who
had what is known as a hanging reputa-
ton, looked down upon her with eyes Of IA
vOr.
Early in the course of the proceedings,
heard whispers among the crowd surround
ing me. They were looking at Madeline,
and some one was asking who she might be.
A voice replied chow well remember it.
and how my pale face went red with proud
surprise) that she was 1.-THE prisoners sweet
heart" Far away as knew that idea to be
from the simple truth, | looked at my dar-
ling with new feelings Of love and gratitude,
and almost forgot for moment the great
and impossible barrier between us.
After the speech for the prosecution, in
which | was painted hT vivid cOlOrs as
young man of violent habits, having homi-
cidal hatred to the murdered man, the first
witnesses depOSed to the finding of the body
and to the marks of violence upon it. Then
George Redruth described my last quarrel
with johnson, and my dismissal from the
OveTserrShIp of the mine. On this occasion,
| fear RCdruth rather exaggerated than I'M
deT-estimated the extent of my hostility;
and when asked if he personally thought
that the deceased had any reason to fear my
violence, heSitated and answered that The
was afraid he had" | saw Madeline start
and look appealingly at the witness, while
low murmuT ran through the court. On the
whole, RedruthS evidence, though given
with a certain reluctance, was very hostile.
| could not help feeling that t was none the
less so because Madeline was seated there
with my defenders, and working so jealous
ly on my behalf.
My aunt next described my doings on the
night of my departure from St GurlOtts and
again admitted, as at the inquest, that | had
been at a late hour in the neighborhood of
the mine. Then my uncle entered the box.
CHASTITY and wOe-begOne, clad in his Sabbath
clothes of black, he stood like man dazed;
not once turning his eyes In my direction.
His evidence only cOrTObOrated that Of my
aunt; but unmportant as 1t was, he gave it
with extreme reluctance,
After the prosecuting counsel was done
with him, he was questioned by my own
counsel, as follows:
'On the night Of the murder you were at
home with the prisoner"
"Iss, sir"
did you see him go outP'
Il diSremember. took nav note OF; and
ma memOry's failing me-"
"Ah; you have been i'll for some timer
"Nawt just myself like, sir"
Had you any reason to imagine that the
prisoner bore any amnesty to deceasedP
Did he ever in your hearing utter any threats
against him?'
Never, sir; nawt one ward"
80 far as you know, he had no cause TO
dislike deceased, beyond the fact that he had
taken his place as overseer?'
| saw my uncle trembling violently; but
his answer came clear and tirm:
"Nawt as | knaws on, sir; and knaw
this, he ne'er meant to harm 'un."
ION the night in question did the prisoner
show any agitationp"
Nav, sir; tho he were bit put out at
gawing AVA fro home"
Did he show on his person any signs of
violence, as Of strugglep'
Nav, sir; nawt he"
"That will do. You may stand down"
Still carefully averting his eyes from mine,
my uncle left the box.
All that could be said was said In my de-
Tense. My witnesses to character included
John Rudd and other local worthless; but all
this testimony would have been of little
avail without that which followed. To my
intense surprise, Madeline herself entered
the box as witness on my side; and though
what she had to say, was practically irrele-
want, though II concerned chiefly my saving
of her life from shipwreck, 1t worked won
ders for me. Never shall forget the thrill
of joy that went through me as she said, In
answer to question:
mo one who knows the prisoner believes
him capable of this or any crime He Is the
bravest aud truest man have ever met"
1t was at this point that the prosecuting
counsel rose, and said, very suavely:
Excuse me, Miss Graham-but you have
a great interest IN the prisoner"
"A very great interest" replied Madeline,
looking him calmly in the face.
"A tender interest," perhaps? Am | wrong
In believing that there has been an engage
ment between your
| could have knocked the fellow down.