Palmer, who was one of the company, then proceeded to explain all the circumstances connected with the discovery, the position of the body, and the conversation he held with Long John when he applied to him for assistance. “Boys,” said John, in a serious tone, “I did not do it. As God shall judge me, I did not.” One man, more excited than the rest, now began handling his pistol, saying to John, meanwhile, “Long John, you had better prepare for another world.” What more he might have said, or what done, it is easy to conceive, had he not been interrupted by the leader, who, stepping forward, remarked, “This won’t do. If there is anything to be done, let us all be together.” Long John was then taken aside by three of the company, who sat down in the faint morning light to examine him. Just as they were seated, they saw through the haze at no great distance, “Black Bess,” the mule which Tiebalt rode from Nevada when he started for Dempsey’s. She seemed to be there at this opportune moment as a dumb witness to the assassination of her master. Pointing to the animal, one of the men inquired, “John, whose mule is that?” “That’s the mule that Tiebalt rode down here,” he answered. “John,” was the reply, “you know whose mule that is. Things look dark for you. You had better be thinking of your condition now.” “I am innocent,” murmured John. The mule was caught and led up to him. “Where are the other two mules?” was the next inquiry. “I do not know,” he replied. “John,” said his interrogator, “you had better be looking forward to another world. You are ‘played out’ in this one, sure.” “I did not commit that crime,” was his reply, “and if you’ll give me a chance, I’ll clear myself.” The leader now said to him, “John, you can never do it, for you knew of a man lying dead here, close to your home, for nine days, and never reported his murder. You deserve hanging for that alone. Why didn’t you come and tell the people of Virginia City?” “I was afraid,” said John. “It would have been as much as my life was worth to have done it. I dared not.” “Afraid? Of whom?” inquired the leader. “I was afraid of the men around here,” he answered. “What men? Who are they?” persisted the leader. “I dare not tell who they are,” said John, in a frightened tone: “there’s one of them around here.” “But you must tell, if you would save yourself. Where is the one you speak of?” “There’s one at the wakiup,—the one that killed Nick Tiebalt.” “Who is he? What’s his name?” “George Ives,” said John, after a moment’s hesitation. “Is he down at the wakiup?” “Yes. I left him there when I came out.” “Men,” said the leader, addressing them, “stay here and keep watch over John, while I go down and arrest Ives.” Selecting from the number at the wakiup a person answering the description of Ives, he asked his name, which was very promptly given. “I want you,” said the leader. “What do you want me for?” inquired Ives. “To go to Virginia City,” rejoined the leader.