duced against him. [Cries of,' That's cool talk for you.'] Well, my friends, every man should be cool when he has the responsibility of life and death on his hands."
"It is very true that I have acted in this matter against Newcome; because, as well as I could see, it was my duty to do so. I had him arrested, and I gave testimony against him, which, as circumstantial evidence, was very strong to convict him. It is true, too, that his daughter testified that he had threatened to shoot both Dr. Edwards and myself, [signs of rising wrath.]
"He had the same reasons for bearing malice toward me, that he had toward my friend. But, only one of us was shot; and the prisoner was prepared with no other weapons, and no more ammunition. I told you in my testimony that there were two shots fired almost at the same instant; therefore there must have been two persons in the woods, and that other person, whoever he was, might have fired the shot that killed Dr. Edwards. I do not know that he did; you do not know that he did not. Let this matter then, be investigated. Find out who that man was that was in the woods with Newcome, and what his business was, and, if possible, find out whether he did not, accidentally or otherwise, commit the murder.
"As for Newcome's threats, a great many men threaten who never do anything worse, and that is the very character his daughter gave him. You pretend to be very sorry for her, and very indignant at her father's treatment of her. But you propose to break her heart entirely by putting it out of his power ever to be reconciled to her; while it is plain she loves him as a daughter should love her father. If you have any regard for law, order, justice or mercy, you will conduct the prisoner in safety back to the sheriff's house, and there leave him under the proper legal restraint until lie is convicted. Guard him as carefully as you choose-make sure that he does not escape; but wait for his trial before you hang him. In the mean time, Providence may show you that you have yourselves this day narrowly escaped becoming murderers."
At the close of this address, so earnestly delivered, not a man offered to raise his hand against the prisoner, who stood with burning eyes steadfastly fixed upon the speaker. After a moment's irresolution, the crowd showed signs of a disposition to escape unseen, individually; and, finally, a chosen guard conducted the prisoner once more to the house of the sheriff.
Allen did not escape without some comments upon his address—some friendly, and a few otherwise. Among the most interested of the listeners was the stranger from the hotel, who not only gave profound attention to every word, but seemed to study attentively the countenance and bearing of the speaker.
"You met with most flattering success in your maiden speech. Squire," remarked Ed, with a peculiar searching look.
"It will be better than I hope, if they continue to take my advice," returned Allen, meeting his eye unflinchingly.
