he repaired immediately to
the "Sickle and Sheaf." I had given the key of my room into his
possession.

The appearance of the sheriff, with his posse, was sufficient to start
the suggestion that Green was somewhere concealed in the house; and a
suggestion was only needed to cause the fact to be assumed, and
unhesitatingly declared. Intelligence went through the reassembling
crowd like an electric current, and ere the sheriff could manacle and
lead forth his prisoner, the stairway down which he had to come was
packed with bodies, and echoing with oaths and maledictions.

"Gentlemen, clear the way!" cried the sheriff, as he appeared with the
white and trembling culprit at the head of the stairs. "The murderer is
now in the hands of the law, and will meet the sure consequences of his
crime."

A shout of execration rent the air; but not a single individual stirred.

"Give way, there! Give way!" And the sheriff took a step or two
forward, but the prisoner held back.

"Oh, the murdering villain! The cursed blackleg! Where's Willy
Hammond?" was heard distinctly above the confused mingling of voices.

"Gentlemen! the law must have its course; and no good citizen will
oppose the law. It is made for your protection--for mine--and for that
of the prisoner."

"Lynch law is good enough for him," shouted a savage voice. "Hand him
over to us, sheriff, and we'll save you the trouble of hanging him, and
the county the cost of the gallows. We'll do the business right."

Five men, each armed with a revolver, now ranged themselves around the
sheriff, and the latter said firmly:

"It is my duty to see this man safely conveyed to prison; and I'm going
to do my duty. If there is any more blood shed here, the blame will
rest with you." And the body of officers pressed forward, the mob
slowly retreating before them.

Green, overwhelmed with terror, held back. I was standing where I could
see his face. It was ghastly with mortal fear. Grasping his pinioned
arms, the sheriff forced him onward. After contending with the crowd
for nearly ten minutes, the officers gained the passage below; but the
mob was denser here, and blocking up the door, resolutely maintained
their position.

Again and again the sheriff appealed to the good sense and justice of
the people.

"The prisoner will have to stand a trial and the law will execute sure
vengeance."

"No, it won't!" was sternly responded.

"Who'll be judge in the case?" was asked.

"