Mitchell," the sheriff
answered; "but you know, sir, that as much as I'd like to oblige you, I'm
bound to protect the man. He swears that he's never touched Mrs. Morris."
"Great God, sheriff! how can you mention the thing quietly? You know--"
"Yes, I know; and I know that I'll never do the dirty work of a sheriff a
day after my term's up. But we haven't any proof against this nigger except
that he ran away--"
"Isn't that enough when the lady can't be found, nor a trace of her?"
"I found the hatchet."
"And--!"
"It was clean, thank God!"
Mr. Mitchell jerked the reins so violently that his horse, tired as he was,
reared and plunged.
"Mr. Morris declines to speak with you," he went on, when the horse had
quieted down, "but he's determined that the negro shall not escape, and the
whole county'll back him."
"I know that," the sheriff answered, patiently, "and in his place I'd do
the same thing; but in my place I must do my official duty. I'll not let
the nigger escape, you may be sure of that, and I've telegraphed for Judge
More to come out here. I've telegraphed the whole case. Surely Mr.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181