his explained to the jury why in midsummer he wore a frock coat. They
considered the pistol a silent witness and protest against Saylor's
acquittal and a clarion call to do their duty in upholding law and
order.

Shortly before six the jury retired. They were out fifteen minutes and
brought in the following verdict: "We, the jury, agree and find the
defendant guilty and fix his punishment at three years in the State
penitentiary. Elhannon Howard, Foreman."

When the verdict was read, the face of the squire turned red with
surprise. Saylor's face for the first time assumed a serious expression;
Mrs. Saylor burst into tears; Susie cried aloud and hung to her father's
arm; Mary grew as pale as death and her body shook as from intense cold.

Cornwall, who had come into the court room during the squire's argument
and who, after bowing to Mary and Mrs. Saylor, had taken a seat behind
them, came forward.

"Never mind, Mary, we shall find a way to get him off. Let me go with
you and your mother to where you are stopping. I tried to find you last
night."

The sheriff came forward and, taking Saylor by the arm, said: "Come on,
Mr. Saylor."

The woman kissed the condemned man a hasty farewell. He and the sheriff
went out one door toward the jail; the Saylor family and Cornwall
another, walking up the street to old Pineville, to the home of Mary's
aunt.

In the morning Mary and her mother came by the court house and asked
Cornwall to go with them to the jail, as that afternoon they had to
return home.

It was a sad group that gathered in the little jail parlor, while the
jailer stood at the door.

"Well, young man, I guess you know more law than me or old Putman. I
seem to be in bad because I did not take your view and advice, instead
of hiring that cheap lawyer. We had only Mary's money; I did not want to
sell or mortgage our home, and if I had not killed Simpson, he would
have got me shore."

"You may have a chance, Mr. Saylor, with the Court of Appeals. I do not
think the court should have excluded Simpson's dying declaration; it
seemed relevant."

"I shorely hope so on account of the old woman and the kids. Mary will
lose her school on my account; she can't keep those big boys quiet now.
You look after my case for me and write Mr. Rogers that I will sell his
company the home place."

"Do not sell your place to pay a fee to me. You can pay that after you
are out. Mary and I will attend to the costs of the appeal