"For if I am," he added, "I shall be lynched. Let me take my chances against these men, but don't take away from me all means of self-defense!" This appeal had its effect, and a Mr. Shaw becoming security for the prisoner, he was released. The trial took place on the Monday following--the shooting occured on a Saturday. Ben appeared in the dock, and before a single witness had been called he arose and said: "I want simply a fair trial, and nothing more. Let every man tell what he knows about the shooting, but let him be careful not to perjure himself. For I announce here that the first witness who goes upon that stand and swears to what is false I will kill in just three seconds. That is all I have to say, gentlemen!" When Ben resumed his seat, the court room was as silent as a tomb. The conspirators who were on hand to convict Hogan glanced at each other with pale faces. They had agreed to swear to whatever should be necessary to secure a verdict of guilty; but Ben's words had taken the backbone completely out of them. They knew it was no vain threat which he uttered. They knew that if they swore to what was false they would drop where they stood. So the first man who was called as a witness fainted from sheer fright. None of the others had courage enough to go upon the stand. And the result was, that there being no evidence of any kind against the prisoner, he was acquitted. Thus ended the trial, which, had it resulted differently, might have sent a man to the gallows who simply defended himself against the brutal attacks of a mob. CHAPTER IX. Leaves Oil County--In Saratoga--Arrested on False Reports--Goes Back to Tidioute--In Rochester--First Meeting with Cummings. It can be easily imagined, after the events narrated in the preceding chapter, that Hogan began to believe the oil regions were not the safest spot for him to tarry in. He, therefore, struck out for a new field of labor. Accompanied by French Kate, he made his way to Albany, and thence to Saratoga. There he opened a cottage for the season. He was flush as a lord during that summer. When he first arrived at the Springs he had twenty-seven thousand dollars in cash. It need hardly be said that he spent this money in princely style. Nobody drove a more stunning turn-out, nor drank choicer wines, nor dropped heavier sums on the green board than did Ben Hogan. A single incident may serve to illustrate the recklessness with which he parted with his money. Entering John Morrissey's famous club-house one night, he sauntered up to the faro table, and after watching the cards for a moment, said: "A hundred that the ace loses!" The dealer glanced up, and at once recognized Hogan, placed a counter on the ace for the sum specified. At the very next turn the ace came up on the winning pile. "Two hundred that it loses this time!" said Ben, quietly. Another marker was placed on the cloth, and again the ace showed up, winning.