n.
"But ever since midnight we've been on the verge of riot and possible
bloodshed. They've arrested John Murrell--it's claimed he's planned a
servile rebellion! A man named Hues, who had wormed his way into his
confidence, made the arrest. He carried Murrell into Memphis, but the
local magistrate, intimidated, most likely, declined to have anything to
do with holding him. In spite of this, Hues managed to get his prisoner
lodged in jail, but along about nightfall the situation began to look
serious. Folks were swarming into town armed to the teeth, and Hues
fetched Murrell across country to Raleigh--"

"Yes?" said Yancy.

"Well, the sheriff has refused to take Murrell into custody. Hues has
him down at the court-house, but whether or not he is going to be able
to hold him is another matter!"

Yancy and Hannibal had dressed by this time, and the judge led the way
from the house. The Scratch Hiller looked about him. Across the street
a group of men, the greater number of whom were armed, stood in front
of Pegloe's tavern. Glancing in the direction of the court-house, he
observed that the square before it held other groups. But what impressed
him more was the ominous silence that was everywhere. At his elbow the
judge was breathing deep.

"We are face to face with a very deplorable condition, Mr. Yancy. Court
was to sit here to-day, but judge Morrow and the public prosecutor have
left town, and as you see, Murrell's friends have gathered for a rescue.
There's a sprinkling of the better element--but only a sprinkling. I saw
judge Morrow this morning at four o'clock--I told him I would obligate
myself to present for his consideration evidence of a striking and
sensational character, evidence which would show conclusively that
Murrell should be held to await the action of the next grand jury--this
was after a conference with Hues--I guaranteed his safety. Sir, the man
refused to listen to me! He showed himself utterly devoid of any feeling
of public duty." The bitter sense of failure and futility was leaving
the judge. The situation made its demands on that basic faith in his own
powers which remained imbedded in his character.

They had entered the court-house square. 'On the steps of the building
Betts was arguing loudly with Hues, who stood in the doorway, rifle in
hand.

"Maybe you don't know this is county property?" the sheriff was saying.
"And that you have taken unlawful possession of it for an unlawful
purpo