Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-08-10
JOHN HENRY'S TRIAL.

At an experience meeting one night
John Henry confessed:
"I'ze broke ebry one OBJ de Ten Com
mandments over'n over agin; but, Lawd
be praised, the debbil can't take away my
religunl"
Finally young Bloodgood of the general
store undertook John Henry's reformation.
He decided upon plan of action that was
highly original and let number of young
fellows scions of the Bushrods, Washing
tons and Cutters into the secret. Life
was not overly exciting in the county, 80
that all entered heartily into what seemed
to give promise Of good joke.
Young Emslie, who had just come down
from Baltimore to visit the Bushrods, was
unknown to John Henry, so that the deli
cate commission Of Turing him on was in
trusted to him. John Henry proved lnno-
cent and unsuspecting and his confidence
was secured by means Of gift Of paper
of bad smoking tobacco and q pint Of
worse whisky. Then Emslie said mystic.
riously:
"Look here, uncle, has any one died re-
Gently in these parts"
mo- Mars Emslie," said John Henry,
with start. None but ole Ephum, who
was buried ovah month ago."
1.-THE very thing" said Emslie Can
trust you with secret John Henryf"
Deed an you kin, sah."
"Well, 1t isn't known here, but I'm
medical student in Baltimore. What I
came down here for is cadaver. You
know what that is, don't your
Its bird, amt itP" said John Henry
thoughtfully. "'Tain't buzzard, 1 reck-
on"
"No, no," said Emslie, sinking his voice
almost to a whisper. Its dead body.
What want is old Ephraim, and I'll give
you $50 If you'll help me get him."
'An if we git caughtH" said John
Henry obviously.
"Oh, We'll be hanged, Of course, " said
Emslie cheerfully. fare you willing to
take chances for $50"
John Henry said he thought he was.
Every we'll, then," said Emslie. Meet
me at 12 tonight at the oolored graveyard
and bring a spade with you"
John Henry promised to do so, and
Emslie returned to Bloodgood and the
rest to report.
"The black rascal" said Bloodgood in
disgust. Didn't tell you he'd rob the
deadY"
The night was without moon, and ev-
erything favored the Ubiquitous proceed
ing. At 10 Emslie met John Henry at
the designated place, which was not
cheerful one, to say the least, for an ap-
pointment.
well, you're here, 1 see," he said.
"Have you brought q spade with your
Now show me old Ephraim's gravel"
John Henry led the way through tan
gle of blackberry vines and creepers His
knees were beginning to knock under him.
'Now Dig" commanded Emslie when
the other paused before q freshly made
mound Let's get through with this
business as soon as we can"
John Henry took off his coat prepare
tory to beginning his CHASTITY work. Before
he put his spade into the ground he looked
around for another reassuring glance at
his companion. But Emslie had mystic
riously disappeared.
Almost at the same time number Of
dark forms rose up as mysteriously on all
sides around him. John Henry was so
frightened that he fell down on his knees.
He thought they were the denizens of the
place seeking vengeance until he heard q
stern voice, which he recognized as Colo
mel Washington's, say:
$50 we've caught you red handed, you
scoundrel! Light lantern, some OF you,
and Well see who 1t Is. "
In the glare of the match John Henry
noticed that every one wore black half
mask and carried a shotgun. He endeav-
ored to collect his frightened wits.
deed 1 amt did muffin wrong" he
lNEOb GoxuH Il mini
mem"
Then what are you doing here at this
hour?"
IT JUS come in to weep ovah ole
Ephum's gravel"
Eyes, and brought spade with YOU"
said Colonel Washington. why, as l
live, it's the very spade you borrowed
from me over month ago."
"Yassir," said John Henry lamely.
wuz on my way ter return hit ter yer"
what shall we do with himf" asked
Colonel Washington, turning to his COM
panions. "Hang him to the nearest tree"
"Oh, hanging's too good for him, " said
another. Let's cut him to pieces, little
bit at time"
NO." interposed third; che ought to
have fair trial. Let's take him to Justice
Taintor's and give him fair trial
THAT'S So" came the gruR chorus.
"He ought to have fair trial Wen take
him to Justice Taintor's."
Justice Taintor was already prepared for
their coming. Nevertheless he pretended
to be awakened from a sound sleep, and
after awhile came down and lit the lamp
q the little bare room in which he held
court.
When the facts were made known to
him, he consented to an immediate trial,
which proved to be exceedingly humorous
to all except the prisoner. Colonel Wash
ington made out strong case for the
prosecution, and then Mr.. Blackburn, who
had been appointed to represent John
Henry's interests, arose.
II admit everything Colonel Washing
ton has said, and more" he began.
"'Hades is too good for John Henry. The
devil couldn't keep a chicken If he was
around. hope you won't send him there,
Judge, for by SO doing you'll only increase
the immortality Of the place"
The jury found the quaking prisoner
guilty without leaving their seats, and
then Justice Taintor turned to him and
said:
John Henry, If the law took its proper
course. you would be plunged like human
dOur,bp,,t In n vat of boiling oil Rut wa