The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-04-03
CHAPTER xxxIII.
A crisis Al the court-House.


Just at daybreak Yancy was reused
by the pressure of a hand on his
shoulder, and opening his eyes saw
that the judge was bending over him.
"DressI" he said briefly. There's
every prospect of trouble-get your
rife 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.
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 MurrelI-it's
claimed he's planned a 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, inundated, 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
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
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 were armed, stood in front OF
Pegloe's tavern. CHANGING in the di-
rection Of the courthouse, he OBJ
served that the square before it held
other groups. But what impressed
him more was the ominous silence
that was everywhere. At his elbow,
the judge was breathing deep.
I'VE are face to face with a 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
rell's friends have gathered for a res
cue. There's a sprinkling of the bet
ter element-but only a sprinkling.
l saw Judge Morrow this morning at
four o'clock told him l would OBJ
ligate myself to present for his con-
sideration evidence of a striking and
sensational character, evidence which
would show concIusively that MurreIl
should be held to await the action OF
the next grand jury-this was after a
conference with Hues--I guaranteed
his safety. Sir, the man refused to
listen to me! He showed himself ut
terly devoid Of any feeling Of public
duty" 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 eeun-
ty property" the Eheriff 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
money has bought and paid forl"
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 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 it,
f1ou are willing to assume the re-
sp0nsibility OF throwing open these
doors?" inquired the Judge affabIy.
II shorely am" said Belts. why.
some Of these folks are our leading
pcopleI"
The judge turned to the crowd. and
spoke In a tone Of excessive civility.
"Jnst q word, gentlemenl--the sher-
III is right; It is your courthouse 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 ars
going to let all who wish TO enter, but
l beg you to remember that there will
be i've men Inside whose preiudlces
are all IN favor OF law and order"
he pushed past Hues ana entered the
courthouse, followed BY Yancy and
Hannibal. Wen let EN- IN where 1
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