The Elk Mountain pilot., 1924-05-29

oiS9eu III Mr. benDrl0ge'S troop and
ne sort OF thought we'd better begin
drilling as soon as possible, and also
seeing as how this here trial is at
tractin' good deal of attention at
time when we ought to be thinkin' of
the safety Of our wives and children
If we have any-we came to the con-
ciusion to address you, sir, with all
respect and suggest that you instruct
the counsel on both sides to be as
lenient as possible with the jury.
This here Innocent girls father
broke out Of Jail and got away. As
far as this here jury knows he amt
likely ever to come back, so, for the
time being at least, there don't seem
to be anybody we can hang for the
crime with which the prisoner at the
bar is charged. This jury was picked
with great deal Of care by the sher-
iff and is, l am reliably informed, en-
trely satisfactory to both sides of the
case.
I'm view of the fact that Black
Hawks warriors are reported to have
been seen within twenty miles of our
beautiful little city, and also in view
OF the additional fact that Mrs. Rachel
Gwyn, one Of our foremost citizens
and taxpayers, has recently informed
me-and your honor also, believe, in
my presence-that she intends to give
this poor girl home as soon as she
is lawfully discharged by the jury as
not guilty, we, the jury, implore your
honor to keep an eye on the clock.
AS we understand the case, there were
only two witnesses to the killing of
| the villain against whom this young
woman fought so desperately in self
defense. One of 'em is here in this
| courtroom. The other is dead and
buried. 1t is now ten minutes past
nine. We, the jury. would like for
| you to inform the counsel on both
sides that at precisely ten o'clock we
are going to render verdict, because
at quarter past ten the majority of
us have to attend company drill.
The lawyer for the prisoner enlisted
last night as private in our company,
and so did the prosecuting attorney"
''This is most unusual and unpre
cedented action on the part of a jury
said the court gravely. However, in
view of the extraordinary circum-
stances, l feel that we should be as
expeditions as possible in disposing of
the case on trial. Gentlemen, you
have heard the remarks of the fore
man of the jury. Have either of you
any reason for objecting to the sugges-
tion he has made? Very well, then I;
we will proceed with the trial of
Mary Hawk, charged with murder in
the first degree. Call your first wit
ness, Mr.. Prosecutor"
! The little courtroom was jammed to
its capacity. Hundreds, unable to gain
| admission crowded about the entrance
and filled the square. The town was
in the throes of vast excitement,
what with the trial, the Indian upris-
ing in the north, the escape of Martin
Hawk and the flight of Barry Lapelle,
hitherto regarded as a rake but not
even suspected of actual dishonesty.
The Paul Revere, with Captain Red
berry in charge, had got away at day
| DIedh, lOdueu " WIN ioo'
loose individuals who suddenly had
decided to try their fortunes elsewhere
rather than remain in district likely
to be overrun by savages.
| MOll Hawk sat in front of the
judges table and at her side was Ken
meth Gwynne. Mrs Gwyn and Viola
occupied seats on a bench near one
of the windows, facing the jury. The
prisoner was frightened. Her deep
set eyes darted restlessly, even warily,
about her as she sat there in the midst
Of this throng of strange. stern-faced
men.
| The prosecuting attorney, young
man Of slender experience but chival-
rous instincts, called the undertaken
to the stand.
| Tn as few words as possible tell
the Jury who II was that you buried
yesterday afternoon"
-Jasper Suggs"
"Was he dead7"
"He was"
That's all, your honor
ANY questions, Mr.. Gwynne| In
quired the Judge.
None, your honor"
Gall your next witness. Mr.. Prose-
cutor."
"Mr. Sheriff, will you take the stand
| for a moment? Did you see the de-
fendant along about four o'clock yes
terday morning?"
IT did,
~State where"
"At her fathers cabin"
estate what had happened there
prior to your arrival, If you know"
"This defendant had had little dif-
| ficulty with the corpse, and he. was
dead m the floor when we got there"
From a knife woundT