The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1912-03-27
CHAPTER XII.

"A CTlSlS at tQe court house.
Just at daybreak Yancy was reused
by the pressure of a hand on his Shout.
der and opening his eyes saw that
the judge was bending over i'm.
"Dress!" he said briefly There's
every prospect of trouble-get your
rifle and come with mel"
Yancy noted that this prospect of
trouble seemed to afford the judge a
pleasurable sensation; indeed, he had
quite lost his former air of somber
and suppressed melancholy.
II let you sleep, thinking you need
ed the rest" the Judge went on. but
ever since midnight we've been on
the verge of riot and possible blood
shed. They've arrested John Murrell
its claimed he planned servile re-
bellion! A man named Hues, who
had wormed his way into his conf
dence, made the arrest He carried
Murrell into Memphis, but the local
magistrate, intimidated most likely,
declined to have anything to do with
holding him. In spite of this, Hues
managed to get his prisoner lodged in
Jail, but along about nightfall the
situation began to look serious Folks
were swarming into town armed to
the teeth, and Hues fetched Murrell
across country to Raleigh"
EYES," said Yancy.
swell, the sheriff has refused to take
Murrell into custody. Hues has him
down at the court house, but whether
or not he is going to be able to hold
him is another matter!"
Yancy and Hannibal had dressed by
this time, and the judge led the way
from the house. The Scratch Hitler
looked about him. Across the street
group of men, the greater number Of
whom We're armed, stood in front of
Pegloe's tavern. CHANGING in the direc-
ton of the court house, he observed
that the square before it held other
groups. But what impressed him more
was the ominous silence that was ev-
erywhere. At his elbow the Judge was
breathing deep.
eve are face to face with a very
deplorable condition, Mr.. Yancy The
court was to sit here today, but Judge
Morrow and the public prosecutor
have left town, and as you see, Muir.
rells friends have gathered for
rescue. There's sprinkling of the
better element-but only a sprinkling.
! saw Judge Morrow this morning at
4 O'clock told him l would obligate
myself to present for his considera.
tfon evidence of striking and SEN
sational character, evidence which
would show conclusively that Murrell
should be held to await the action of
the next grand jury-this was after
a conference with Hues| guaranteed
his safety. Sir, the man refused to
listen to me! He showed himself
utterly devoid of any feeling of pub
lie duty The bitter sense of failure
and fut1lity was leaving the judge. The
situation made it's demands on that
basic faith in his own powers which
remained imbedded in his character
They had entered the court house
square. On the steps of the building
Belts was arguing loudly with Hues,
Whn cf001 in ha ,,;A ~,
hand.
Maybe you don't know this is coun-
ty property" the sheriff was saying
And that you have taken unlawful
possession of it for an unlawful pur-
pose? / am going to open them doors
"a passed. of strangers can't keep
folks out of a building their own mon
ey has bought and paid fort" While
he was speaking the judge had pushed
his way through the crowd to the
foot of the steps.
THAT was very nicely said Mr.
Belts" observed the judge. He smiled
widely and sweetly. The sheriff gave
him hostile glare. do you know
that Morrow has left town." the Judge
went on.
II amt got nothin' to do with
Judge Morrow. It's my duty to see
that this building is ready for him
when he's mind to open court in it."
'You are willing to assume the re-
sponsibility of throwing open these
doors?" inquired the judge affably.
Il shorely am" said Belts. "Why,
some of these folks are our leading
people!"
The judge turned to the crowd and
spoke in tone of excessive civility
Just a word, conference.-the sheriff
is right; it is your court house and
you should not be kept out of it. No
doubt there are some of you whose
presence in this building will sooner
or later be urgently desired We are
going to let all who wish to enter,