The Adventures of Bass Reeves Deputy US Marshal by Charles Ray

Author:Charles Ray [Ray, Charles]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Outlaws Choice
Published: 2018-07-17T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Bass was less put out than confused.

He’d been surprised, but somewhat pleased, when, upon his return to Fort Smith, he’d been informed by the clerk at reception in the court building that none other than Belle Starr had turned herself in to the law, and was at that moment residing in a cell in the detention wing of the building.

He was upset at his friend being in jail, but relieved that she’d not decided to go on the run, which would have made her a wanted fugitive, in the gunsights of every marshal, town sheriff, and bounty hunter within five hundred miles, some of whom would have no qualms about shooting a woman, despite the warrant not stating that she was wanted ‘dead or alive.’

Bass considered visiting her in her cell, but decided that it might be misunderstood, so, after depositing Sam Starr and the required paperwork, which he’d had O’Malley complete for him, he checked in with Marshal Fagan, learned that he had no warrants available, and that none would be forthcoming for another day or two, went home to his family.

After an initial arraignment, a grand jury brought indictments against both Belle and Sam for larceny in relation to the sale of stolen property, although the U.S. Attorney had sought one for horse theft, a more serious offense. They were allowed to return to Younger’s Bend to await a decision on a scheduled trial date.

Despite a reputation for dispensing speedy justice, U.S. Court Judge Isaac Parker scheduled Belle and Sam’s trials for November, to give them time to prepare their defense against the charges that had been filed. This also gave Bass time for a month-long trip back into the territory, enabling him to fulfill his promise to O’Malley and Collins, to make up for the all-too-short trip to arrest Sam. They returned after twenty-eight days with ten fugitives shackled in the prisoner wagon, and the prospect of over three thousand dollars in reward money for Bass. The joyous homecoming he received helped him to overcome his sadness at his friend having to stand before Judge Parker and answer for charges that Bass was convinced she was innocent of.

There was a chill in the air on the first day of the trial of the United States versus Sam Starr and Belle Starr. Parker’s courtroom was packed, with some people shoving in and standing against the wall in the back, despite the deputy marshals trying to keep them out. Finally, to avoid a riot, Marshal Fagan allowed several people to enter, provided they remained quiet and orderly. He and Bass, along with four other deputies, took seats in the back row in order to be able to watch the entrance as well as the entire courtroom

A quiet murmur began when the defendants were led in by two deputy marshals, accompanied by their attorney.

The murmur cut off abruptly when the bailiff said, “All rise for his honor, Judge Isaac Parker.”

Parker entered the courtroom from his antechamber behind the elevated bench from which he presided.

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