This confession took the Committee by surprise. He then admitted that he had been guilty of horse-stealing for the robbers, and had butchered stolen cattle to supply them with food. He was fully cognizant of all their criminal enterprises, and shared with them as a member of the band. Upon this confession he was condemned to suffer death. He gave directions concerning his clothing and the settlement of his debts. His case being disposed of, he was committed to the custody of a strong guard.
George Lane (Clubfoot George), who has figured conspicuously in this history, was next introduced into the presence of the Committee. He was arrested without trouble, at Dance and Stuart’s store. Perfectly calm and collected, he inquired,
“Why am I arrested?”
On receiving the same answer that had been given to Parish, he replied,
“If you hang me, you will hang an innocent man.”
“We have positive proof of your guilt,” was the response of the examining officer. “There is no possibility of a mistake.”
“What will you do with me?”
“Your sentence is death,” was the answer.
His eyes dropped, and his countenance wore an expression of deep contrition. For some moments he covered his face with his hands, seemingly overcome by the dreadful announcement. At length, dropping his hands, and looking into the face of the officer, he inquired,
“Can I have a minister, to pray for and talk with me?”