At last the day of trial came, and the prisoner plead "not guilty."
I think it was Melborn who was the prosecuting Attorney; before the prosecution had opened the case Uncle Abe rose and said:
"May it please the Court, I have a motion to make before the prosecution opens; and as it may save the Court some unnecessary labor, I hope it will be entertained. I move that the indictment be quashed and the prisoner discharged!"
The astonishment of the crowded Court room was immense, shared alike by Judge, bar and spectators. As soon as the Judge recovered his equanimity he asked:
"Upon what grounds is so extraordinary a motion made?"
"Why the man Johnson, was not murdered at all, and I have the pleasure of introducing him to the presence of the Court."
Johnson was led forward. Hundreds recognized him immediately, The excitement was so great that the Judge adjourned the Court.
It seems that the parties had quarreled, Johnson had been pushed into the river, but had got out and wandered off in a state of partial aberation of mind and had been working on a farm. His passion for Metropolitan Bank Notes and his name suggested an idea that he was the missing man, and he was opportunely produced in time to save a man from being hung.