Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-12-18
By OPIE READ.
CHAPTER XIV.


was begun, old Conkwright was there
with his challenges. How shrewd ne
was. how sharp, were his eyes. And
when night came the panel was far
from complete.
1T will take long time at this rate
| said, as we were leaving the court
room.
Il don't care if it takes a thousand
years; they sha'n't ring in a stuned
toad on me-" replied the ex-judge. DID
YOU notice that fellow with long neck?
They've fixed him all right and knew
il. l am not altogether easy about that
short fellow we've got, but l hope he
is man enough to be honest. There Is
no more trickery anywhere than there
is in a murder trial in this country.
Well, they've put their worst men for
ward, and think we shall have better
material tomorrow"
And it appeared that we had, for
the jury was sworn in the next after
noon. The testimony was so short and
so direct, the witnesses were so few
that the trial could not last long; and
when at home l gave this as an opin-
ion. the old people were glad, for they
declared that it shortened the time of
their sons absence. On the day set
for the opening Of the argument hum
dreds of the farmers gave over their
work and rode to town, for the south
elner loves a passionate speech, and
the court house is still his theatre.
The old man walked down the road
with me, but he stopped before we
reached the place where Stuart had
been stretched upon the ground.
Well" he said, turning back, Il
reckon today'll finish it. At least they'll
give it to the jury and it oughten't to
take 'em long after what the judge says
in his charge to 'em. I feel that it's
goin' to be all right. Don't you?'
The truth was that I did not; but
kindness is not always the truth; so
l said: Everything looks that way.
Conkwright is as sharp as thorn and
he'll be in their flesh from the begin
ming to the end"
BY jings, jest say that again. That
ought to settle it right now, hah?
Stay with 'em till they get through, and
you'll find US waitin' for you when you
git back
nodded, waved my hand at him and
galloped away, and from a hilltop l
looked back and saw him still stand
ing there in the road. Parker caught
up with me and we in turn overlook a
man whom l did not care to encounter
--Etheredge. l had seen him every
day during the trial. had caught his
blurred eye as l was giving my testi-
mony on the stand had heard him tell
his damaging story.
"Ho, there" he said, as was about
to pass him. Haven't forgotten me-,
have you?"
My memory is unfortunately so good
that it retains many Objectionable
things" 1 answered.
Glad to hear it; pleased to know that
you haven't forgotten our little en-
gagement."
He rode along with me. The way
was just broad enough for two horses
abreast, and the deputy dropped back.
I'VE need not wait for the termination
of the trial." replied
That so? Strikes me that you are
pretty keen, especially as there is an
officer right behind you. Say, you
seem to blame me for the interest /
am taking in this affair. Have yor
stopped to think Of the interest you are
taking in it? Jucklin's no relation Of
yours and probably never will be. Did
YOU hear what / said? Probably new
cr will be-
unfortunately l haven't an apple
tree sprout with me today, Mr.. Eth
eredge."
And it's a good thing for you that
you haven't. Do you reckon I'd let you
lash at me while so many people are
riding along the road?"
Il don't suppose you would let me
do so at any time if you could help
yourself"
"Oh, I don't know. Might let you
amuse yourself if there were no one
in sight. But I've got nothing against
you, young man. I've lived long enough
10 forgive an over grown boys i'm
pulses"
He could not have cut me deeper;
and his sleepy old eyes saw the blood
sH hide
u little that time, eh? We've all got a
thin place somewhere in our skin, you
know. You needn't look back; the Of
ficel' is right behind u.s."
L wish he were not in sight, l re-
piled.
You don't like him, Ell? Why, al
ways thought he was a pretty good
fellow. But, of course, 1 am willing
u accept your Judgment of him. But
if you don't like him why do you wait
for him TO come up?"
Il am waiting for you to go on, sir,
| replied. And if you don't l will
knock you off that horse"
Very we'll. l see a man on ahead
who is doubtless better company.
trust, though, that l shall have the
pleasure Of a closer association with
YOU at some future time. Good morn
ing"
| waited until Parker came up. Did
YOU get enough of him." he asked
laughing. Il knew you would-nearly
everybody does. Under the circum-
stances it was an insult for him to Of
fer to ride with YOU"
And he and l will have Il trouble as
soon as this one is settled" | replied.
"Oh, l reckon not. l don't see why
any man OF sense should want to have
trouble with you. Just look how they
are docking to town. Hope they'll turr
out this way and vote for me at the
next election for sheriff. Women. too
See them coming out Of that gate"
When we rode into the town the
streets were thronged and horsemen
wagons and buggies were thick on the
nublic square. The ginger cake anc