The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-08-05
CHAPTER Xxx.
4 Crisis At tie Csurt Hsuse.

CHAPTER xxx.
1 Crisis at tie Csurt Hsase.
Just 1t daybreak Yancy was
reused BY the pressure Of . hand
on his shoulder. and opening his
eyes saw that the Judge was bend
ing over him.
"Dress!" he said briefly. There's
every prospect Of trouble-Eet your
rifle and come with mel"
Yancy noted that this prospect
of trouble seemed to afford the
judge a pleasurable sensation; in
deed, he had quite lost his former
air OF somber and suppressed mel
ancholy.
Il let you sleep, thinking you
needed the rest" the Judge went on.
But ever since midnight we've
been on the verge Of riot and pos
sibie bloodshed. They've arrested
John Murrell-it's claimed he's
planned a servile rebellion! A
man named Hues, who had worm
ed his way into his confidence
made the arrest. He carried MUIR
rell into Memphis, but the local
magistrate, intimidated, most like
ly, declined to have anything to dc
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 te
Raleigh"
YES" said Yancy.
We'll, the sheriff had refused t.
take Murrel Into custody. Hues
has him down at the court house
but whether or not he is going t.
be able to hold him is another mat
teri"
Yancy and Hannibal had dress
ed by this time, and the Judge lee
the way from the house. The
Scratch Hitler looked about him
Across the street a group Of men
the greater number of whom wer,
armed, stood in front Of Pegloe'.
tavern. CHANGING in the direction
of the court house, he observed tina
the square before it held othel
groups. But what impressed hin
more was the ominous silence tina
was everywhere. At his elbow, hi
Judge was breathing deep.
I'VE are face to face with a yer,
deplorable condition, Mr.. Yancy
Court was to sit here today, bu
Judge Morrow and the public pros
ecutor have left town, and as 20,
see, Murrells friends have gath
cred for rescue. There's
sprinkling Of the better element
but onl va sprinkling. l saw Judg
Morrow this morning at 4 o'clocl
i told him l would obligate my
self to present for his considera
ton evidence Of striking and sen
sational character, evidence whic
would show conclusively that Muir
| rell should be held to await the &C
ton of the next grand jury-thi
was after conference with Hue
i guaranteed his safety. Sir, tn
man refused to- listen to me! H
showed himself utterly devoid @
any feeling Of public duty" TIL
bitter sense Of failure and fulfill
was leaving the judge. The 81:
uation made its demands on tina
basic faith in his own power
which remained imbedded in hi
character.
i They had entered the court hous
square. On the steps of the build
ing Belts was arguing loudly wit
Hues, who stood in the DOORWAY
rife in hand.
Maybe you don't know this
county property" the sheriff wa
saying. And that you have take
unlawful possession of it for a
unlawful purpose? / am going t
open them doors-a passed. {
strangers can't keep folks out of
building their own money ha
bought and paid .,r!" While b
was speaking, the judge had pusf
ed his way through the crowd
the foot OF the steps.
| That was very nicely said, M
Belts" observed the judge. H
smiled widely and sweetly. Til
sheriff gave him a hostile glar
do you know that Morrow has le
town." the Judge wetn on.
i Il amt got nothin' to do wit
Judge Morrow. It's my duty to Sc
that this building is ready for hi
when he's a mind to open court
it,"
I "You are willing to assume tt
responsibility Of throwing ope
these doors?" inquired the JUDI
affably.
! II shorely am" said Belts. "wh
some Of these folks are our leadir
peop.e!"
The Judge turned to the crow
and spoke in a tone Of excessi,
civility. "Just q word, gentlemen
the sheriff is right; it is 20,
court house and you should not
kept out of it. No doubt there al
some Of you whose presence in tn
building will sooner or later
, urgently desired. We are going
let all who wish to enter, but l b.
, you to remember that there vi
! be five men inside whose prejudic'
are all in favor of law and order
He pushed past Hues and enter,
the court house, followed by YAM
and Hannibal. We'll let 'em
. where I can talk to EN-" he sa
almost gaily. Besides, they
come in anyhow when they 6
. ready, SO there's no sense in e
, citing them"
II In the court house, Murre
} bound hand and foot. was seat
81 between Carrigan and the Earl
, Lambeth in the little railed-t
space below the judges benc
Fear and suffering had blanch'
: his unshaven cheeks and given
wild light to his deeply sunk
l eyes. At sight OF Yancy a smot