"It does not seem possible. I am anxious that he should be given a fair trial, at any rate; and gratitude for your long-continued kindness to me in adverse circumstances prompts me to offer my humble services gratuitously in his behalf.
"It will afford me an opportunity to requite, in a small degree, the favors I received at your hand, and that of your lamented husband, when your roof afforded me a grateful shelter, without money and without price.
"Yours truly,
"A. Lincoln."
The feeling in the neighborhood where the crime was committed was so intense that it was decided that it must be taken over to the next county to secure a fair trial. Lawyer Lincoln was on hand to defend the son of his old friend.
Besides those who testified to the bad character of the young prisoner, one witness, named Allen, testified that he saw "Duff" Armstrong strike the blow which killed Metzker.
"Couldn't you be mistaken about this?" asked Mr. Lincoln. "What time did you see it?"
"Between nine and ten o'clock that night."
"Are you certain that you saw the prisoner strike the blow?—Be careful—remember—you are under oath!"
"I am sure. There is no doubt about it."
"But wasn't it dark at that hour?"