My father, Joseph Knight, Sen., did not let pass this opportunity of doing all in his power to assist this persecuted boy. He went to two of his neighbors. James Davidson and John Reid, Esqs., respectable farmers who were well versed in the laws of their country, and retained them in behalf of Joseph during his trial. The trial commenced among a crowded multitude of spectators, who generally seemed to believe Joseph guilty of all that had been alleged against him, and, of course were zealous to see him punished for his crimes. Among the many witnesses called up against Joseph, was one Josiah Stoal, a gentleman for whom Joseph formerly worked. He was examined as follows: Question--"Did not the prisoner, Joseph Smith have a horse from you?" Answer--"Yes." Q.--"Did he not go to you and tell you an angel had appeared unto him, and told him to get the horse from you?" A.--"No; he told me no such thing." Q.--"Well, how did he get the horse from you?" A.--"He bought it from me the same as any other man would do." Q.--"Have you had your pay?" A.--"That is not your business." The question being repeated, the witness replied, "I hold his note for the price of the horse, which I consider as good as the money, for I am well acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jun., and know him to be honest, and, if he wishes, I am ready to let him have another horse on the same terms." Mr. Jonathan Thompson was next called and examined. Question--"Has not the prisoner, Joseph Smith, Jun., had a yoke of oxen of you?" Answer--"Yes." Q.--"Did he not obtain them from you by telling you that he had a revelation to the effect that he was to have them?" A.--"No; he did not mention a word of the kind concerning the oxen; he purchased them the same as any other man would." After several more similar attempts the court was detained for a time in order that two young ladies, daughters of Josiah Stoal, with whom Joseph had at times kept company, might be sent for, in order if possible, to elicit something from them which could be made a pretext against Joseph. The young ladies came, and were each examined as to his character and conduct in general, but in particular as to his behavior towards them in public and private; they both bore such testimony in Joseph's favor, as to leave his enemies without a cause for complaint. Several attempts were made to prove something against Joseph, and even circumstances which were alleged to have taken place in Broome county were brought forward. But these Joseph's lawyers would not admit against him, in consequence of which his persecutors managed to detain the court until they had succeeded in obtaining a warrant from Broome county. This warrant they served upon him at the very moment he had been acquitted by the court. CHAPTER IV.