That is the evidence I have to give." "That's right; that is not a lie," said some of the men on the waggon.
"Prisoner, have you any question to ask the witness ?" said Muller.
"I have no question to ask; I deny your jurisdiction," said the old man with spirit.
"The prisoner declines to question the witness, and again pleads to the jurisdiction, a plea which I have overruled.

Gentlemen, do you desire to hear any further evidence ?" "No, no." "Do you find the prisoner guilty of the charges laid against him ?" "Yes, yes," from the waggon.
Muller made a further note in his book, and went on: "Then, the prisoner having been found guilty of high treason and attempted murder, the only matter that remains is the question of the punishment required to be meted out by the law to such wicked and horrible offences.

Every man will give his verdict, having duly considered if there is any way by which, in accordance with the holy dictates of his conscience, and with the natural promptings to pity in his heart, he can extend mercy to the prisoner.

As commandant and president of the court, the first vote lies with me; and I must tell you, gentlemen, that I feel the responsibility a very heavy one in the sight of God and my country; and I must also warn you not to be influenced or overruled by my decision, who am, like you, only a man, liable to err and be led away." "Hear, hear," said the voices on the waggon as he paused to note the effect of his address.
"Gentlemen and burghers of the State, my natural promptings in this case are towards pity.

The prisoner is an old man, who has lived many years amongst us like a brother.