Finally one of the originators of the quarrel stepped sheepishly forward and extended his hand to the judge, mumbling something about being a little excited over a political argument.
"Yes," said the judge in answer, "and if I had not arrived just as I did, I suppose I would have had you up before me for trial the next time I came up this way."
"No, God forbid!" exclaimed the man, impulsively, "that is judge, I hope I may never have to be tried in your court."
This compliment was taken as intended, and after a few moments the judge again retired. You never saw a more peacefully inclined lot of rangers in your life. Drinking and games continued, but all was quiet and orderly.
Another incident happened at Sidney, when Gaslin held court there, which was a characteristic of the judge. A young fellow had been accused of horse stealing; he had taken without leave another man's horse and ridden it many miles, but turned it loose. It seemed to the jury there was some ground for leniency, so they brought in a verdict of guilty, with recommendation of a light sentence. The judge took the recommendation as a transgression of the prerogatives of the court, and said: "Alright, we will say -- well, fifteen years."
The jury was angry, and so fast as cases come up they returned verdicts of not guilty.
At the close of the term, the judge called for the young man who had been sentenced to fifteen years. lie was brought up, trembling in anticipation of something more severe, but