Clinton by Walter Aimwell

Squire Walcott, like most of the inhabitants of Brookdale, was a / farmer. He was somewhat advanced in years, and his son-in-law lived in / the same house with him, and assisted in carrying on the farm. He was / generally known as "The Squire," in town,-a title which he acquired / from the circumstance of his holding a commission as Justice of the / Peace. This commission is conferred by the Governor of the State, and / empowers the holder to discharge certain judicial functions, such as / the issuing of writs and warrants, the examination of persons accused / of crime, etc. In cases where the offence is very small, the Justice of / the Peace may himself impose a fine, or other lawful penalty; but if / the offence is one of much magnitude, he must bind over the supposed / offender in a sum of money, or commit him to jail, to await a trial / before a higher court.

The examination on the present occasion, was to be held in the front / room of Squire Walcott's house. When the time arrived to commence, one / of the men present conducted Oscar into the room. As he took the seat / pointed out to him, and cast his eye about the room, he recognized Mr. / Upham, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Preston, Clinton, and several others of the / town's people. All eyes were turned towards himself, as if anxious to / detect from his appearance whether he were guilty or innocent. With / all his boldness, he felt his courage failing him, as he encountered / the searching glances of one and another; and although he tried to / look indifferent, alarm was written too plainly on his pale face to be / disguised.