les
ur Turner a minit. Ef you'uns put 'im in jail he mought 'scape, and
aryhow we don't know but sum smart lawyers might cl'ar 'im ur git a
light sentence for 'im. So I'm in favor uv riddin' de kentry uv 'im
right now, and I'll be de fust to pull de rope."

This speech was received by nods of assent and cries of "Good!" "Good!"
"That's the talk!" by many in the crowd.

After Craig had spoken Sanders looked at Judge LeMonde and thus
addressed him: "Judge, you are the most interested person in this
company. You have lost two fine hosses and been put to the most
trouble. It is only right that we should hear from you before we take a
vote. Would you like to say anything?"

Upon this invitation Judge LeMonde arose from the log upon which he was
sitting. His clothing was bespattered with mud and his face showed the
struggle both physical and mental through which he had passed. But even
with these limitations he appeared the typical judge. A serious but
composed look was in his eyes. It was with deep feeling that he
addressed the group of determined men.

"Neighbors and friends," said he, "many of you I have known from my
youth, and I am glad to call you friends. I wish to thank you for the
interest you have shown in my welfare by aiding me in every possible
way to regain my stolen property; and while my good Velox is now far
away from me, probably never to return, and my noble Dolly is buried by
the roadside, you have helped to capture the chief criminal in the
affair. I do not wonder that this dastardly act has stung you to the
quick and that your honest hearts cry out for justice to be visited
upon the guilty. But you will pardon me if I differ from most of you as
to how that justice should be administered. Let us remember that the
sovereign State of Kentucky has laws upon her statute books meting out
just punishment for all crimes. She has suitable machinery for the
execution of those laws--courts, judges, lawyers, police, jails,
penitentiary--and it is the duty of all citizens to abide by the laws
they have made. Therefore I cannot agree with your arguments nor
justify your wish to take the law into your own hands. My voice is, let
the miserable culprit be taken to the county jail, be tried before the
court and receive his punishment in a lawful manner."

Judge LeMonde's speech made a visible impression on the men and
possibly his advice would have been heeded had not Sanders, the
chairman, spoken. These were his wo