Lincoln secured the postponement of the trial until the following spring; and he spent much time, in the interval, in tracing evidence, labouring as assiduously to pay his old debt of gratitude as he would have done under the offer of a fee of five thousand dollars.

The time for the trial arrived, and it drew together a crowd of interested people, nor were they under so much excitement as they were when the case was postponed. The “sober second thought” had moderated their feelings, and they were in a better frame of mind to judge impartially.

The witnesses for the State were introduced; some to testify of Armstrong’s previous vicious character, and others to relate what they saw of the affair on the night of the murder. His accuser testified in the most positive manner that he saw him make the dreadful thrust that felled his victim.

“Could there be no mistake in regard to the person who struck the blow?” asked the counsel for the defence.

“None at all: I am confident of that,” replied the witness.

“What time in the evening was it?”

“Between ten and eleven o’clock.”

“Well, about how far between? Was it quarter past ten or half-past ten o’clock, or still later? Be more exact, if you please.”

“I should think it might have been about half-past ten o’clock,” answered the witness.

“And you are confident that you saw the prisoner at the bar give the blow? Be particular in your testimony, and remember that you are under oath.”

“I am; there can be no mistake about it.”

“Was it not dark?”

“Yes; but the moon was shining brightly.”

“Then it was not very dark, as there was a moon?”

“No; the moon made it light enough for me to see the whole affair.”

“Be particular on this point. Do I understand you to say that the murder was committed about half-past ten o’clock, and that the moon was shining brightly at the time?”

“Yes, that is what I testify.”

“Very well; that is all.”

His principal accuser was thus positive in his testimony, and the sagacious attorney saw enough therein to destroy his evidence.

After the witnesses for the State had been called, the defence introduced a few, to show that young Armstrong had borne a better character than some of the witnesses gave him, and also that his accuser had been his personal enemy, while the murdered young man was his personal friend.

The counsel for the Commonwealth considered that the evidence was too strong against Armstrong to admit of a reasonable doubt of his guilt; therefore, his plea was short and formal.