The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-06-12
CHAPTER xxxill.

Just at daybreak Yancy was reused
oy the pressure OF hand on his
shoulder. and opening his eyes saw
that the Judge was bending over him,
"Dress!" he said briefly. There's
every prospect OF trouble-get your
rife and come with mel"
Yancy noted that this prospect or
trouble seemed TO AFFORD the Judge q
pleasurable sensation: indeed, he had
quite lost his former air of somber
and suppressed melancholy.
Il 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 bloodshed.
They've arrested John Murrell-it's
claimed he's planned q servile rebel
lion! A man named Hues. who had
wormed his way into his confidence.
made the arrest. He carried Murrell
into Memphis. but the local magis-
trate. fntimidated. most likely. de-
clined 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 sit.
uation began to look serious. Folks
were swarming into town armed to
4 the teeth. and Hues fetched Murrell
across country to Raleigh"
YES" said Yancy.
We'll. the sheriff has refused to
take Murrell into custody. Hues has
him down at the courthouse. but
whAthor oV uot M ts ~otuc A. ~ .A,-
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
q group OF men. the greater number OF
whom were armed. stood In front OF
Pegloe's tavern. Glancing In the di.
rection OF the courthouse. hs OBJ
served that the square before II held
other groups. But what impressed
him more was the ominous silence
that was everywhere. At his elbow,
the Judge was breathing deep.
We are face 10 face with q very
deplorable condition. Mr.. Yancy.
Court was to sit here today. but Judge
Morrow and the public prosecutor
have left town. and as you see, Muir.
reifs friends have gathered for q res.
cue. There's a sprink killing OF the bet
ter element-but Only a sprinkling.
I saw Judge Morrow this morning at
four o'ciock-I told him would OBJ
ngate myself to present for his con-
sideration evidence OF q striking and
sensational character. evidence which
would show conclusiveiy that Murrell
should be held to await the action OF
the next grand jury--this was after a
conference with Hucs-I guaranteed
his safety. Sir. the man refused to
listen to me! He showed himself ut.
terly devoid OF any feeling OF public
SHty." The bitter sense OF failure
and futility was leaving the Judge.
The situation made its demands on
that basic faith In his own powers
which remained imbedded In his char
acter.
They had entered the courthouse
square. On the steps OF the building
Belts was arguing loudly with Hues.
who stood In the doorway. rifle In
hand.
Maybe you don't know this is coun.
~ property" the sheriff was saying
"And that you have taken unlawful
possession OF II 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
money has bought and paid for!"
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. lie
smiled widely and sweetly The sher.
IN gave him hostile glare. DO you
know that Morrow has LEFT town.
the Judge went on.
Il amt got nothin' to do with Judge
Morrow. It's my duty TO see that
this building Is ready for him when
he's a mind to open court In H."
you are willing to assume the re-
sponsibility OF throwing open these
doors?" inquired the Judge afYably.
II shorely am said Belts why.
some OF these folks are our leading
peoplel"
The Judge turned to the crowd. and
spoke In a tone OF excessive civility.
Just n word, gentlemen, the sher-
IN is right: II IL your courthouse and
you should not be kept out OF n. No
doubt there are some OF you whose
presence In this building Will sooner
or later be urgently desi ed We are
-. l. on
beg you TO remember that there Will