"Once more, I say, stand back!" yelled the judge, threatening the foremost with his pistol. "Is he not in our power? He can't escape us. Wait until his trial is over, and if pronounced guilty, then you may work your will."
"And ain't he found guilty?" called out a voice from the crowd.
"You'd best keep a still tongue, Polk Redlaw," returned McGuire, significantly. "To-night's work don't speak very highly in your favor. But, all of you, be patient for a time. When all the evidence is heard, then we will decide. Until then, he is in my charge, and you know me well enough to be sure I will keep my word."
In a few moments order was restored, the judge and jurors resuming their seats, while Wesley Sprowl continued his story:
"I nearly fell, from horror and astonishment, when I saw who the murderer was, but managed to keep still. If you ask why I didn't confront him, or attempt to avenge John Dement, I say, look at us both. He with ten times my strength, and fully armed, while I was barely able to walk, and without a single weapon.
"After a bit, the murderer took up the body in his arms and carried it to the river, where I heard a splash as if it had been cast into the water. I dared not stay longer, and stepping into the road, where I knew he could not hear my footsteps in the soft dirt, was about to run when something bright caught my eye. I snatched it up and then ran as fast as I could to the house, where I hid the article in the bed.
"In the morning I was down with a hard shake, and it was nearly noon before I could get up. But then I came over here, and knowing the head men of the league, I told what I knew about the affair. What happened since, you all know."
"But the thing that you found—what was it?"
"I have it here—see!" and after unwrapping a small parcel, he elevated his hand.
In it was a piece of jewelry. It was the diamond cluster-pin lately worn by John Dement!