The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-05-02
THE JIRYMAN'S STORY.

thought so. A murder OF peculiar
atrocity had been committed; and
though no eye had witnessed the deed,
circumstances pointed 10 the prisoners
guilt with unfailing certainty.
The recusant juror had stood out
from the first. He acknowledged the
cogoncy OF the proofs. confessed his
inability 10 reconcile the facts with
the defendants innocence. and yet on
every vote went steadily for acquittal.
His conduct was inexplicable. II
could not result from lack OF intelli-
gcnce, for. while he spoke but little.
his words were well chosen, and
ovinced thorough understanding OF
the case.
Though still in the prime OF manhood
his locks were prematurely white. and
his face wore a singularly sad and
thoughtful expression. He might be
one Of those who entertained scruples
as 10 the right OF society TO infiict the
death penalty. But no. il was not that;
for, in reply TO such "A suggestion, he
frankly admitted that brutal men, like
the vicious brutes they resemble must
be controlled through fear. and that
dread OF death. tho supreme terror is
in many cases the only adequate re-
straint.
AT the prospect OF another night OF
fruitless Imprisonment we began 20
grow inpatient and expostulated
warmly against what seemed an UNI
reasonable captiousness; and some not
over kind remarks were INDUCED In as
TO the improperly OF triAing with an
oath like that under which we were
acting.
And YETI the man answered. as
though communing with himself rather
than repelling tie imputdtion, "it is
conscience that binders my concur
renee in a verdict approved by my
judgement"
How can that be?" queried several
at once.
Conscience may not always dare 10
follow judgment.
but here sho can know no other
guide"
IL once would have said the same
And what changed your opiniongn
Experience.
The speakers manner was visibly
agitated and wc waited in silence the
explanation which he seemed ready
10 give. Mastering his emotion. as II
in answer 60 our looks OF inquiry, he
continued:
Twenty years ago / was young
man just beginning life. Fow had
brighter prospects and none brighter
hopes An attachment dating from
childhood, had ripened with its object.
There had been no verbal declaration
and acceptance OF love--no formal
plighting OF troth, but when took my
departure TO seek home In the distant
West II was thing understood that
when had found il and put il in order
she was TO share IT, Life in the forest
though solitary. Is not necessarily
lonesome The kinds OF society az
forded by nature depends mucn on
ones SELF AS for me, lived more in
the future that in the present and
hope Is an ever cheerful companion.
At length the time came for making
the final payment on the home which
had bought IL would henccforward
be my own; and. In few more months
my simple dwelling. which / had
spared no pains 20 render inviting,
would be graced by its mistress.
AT the land Office. which was
some sixty miles of, / met my old
friend, George c.. He, too. had
come 20 seek his fortune in the west;
and we were both delighted az the
meeting He had brought with him.
no said. n sum of money which he de-
sired TO invest in land. on which IL was
his purpose TO settle. expressed n
strong wish 10 have him for neigh
Dor, aud gave him a cordial invitation
TO accompany mo homo. giving IL as
my belief that he could nowhere make
better selection than In that vicinity.
lie readily consented. and We set out
together. Wo had not ridden many
miles, when George suddenly recollect-
ed commission no had undertaken
for friend. which would require his
attendance at n public land sale on the
following day. Exacting n promise
that he would not delay his visit long
er than necessary. and having given
minute directions as 10 the route. l
continued my way homeward. whilo he
turned back.
II was about retiring TO bed en- tho
night OF my return when a summons
from without called me 10 the door
A stranger asked shelter for himself
and his horse for tho night / invited
him In. Though stranger his face
seemed not unfamiliar. He was prob
ably one OF the men had seen at the
land Office. place at that time much
frequented Offering him a seat !
went TO see nis horse. The poor anil