230 WILD SrORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



ored to gain his livelihood in the general retail line, 

 and he drove a pretty good trade in Arkansas, where 

 he had settled himself by chance, and where the people 

 were forced to deal Avith him, as his was at first the only 

 shop. Rutkin, however, interfered with his business, 

 and at first did him much harm, until his proud 

 domineering manner drove all his customers away, 

 excepting those who thought to gain advantage over 

 him. Bockenheim spoke such a jargon that it was 

 impossible to make out whether he was speaking 

 Enghsh, German, or Indian. A German immigrant 

 would never have understood him, and the Americans 

 were obliged to guess at his meaning ; but for all that, 

 he managed very well, and as he had gained a good 

 sum by hi^ trade, he naturally enough ascribed it all 

 to his own wisdom. 



The sessions were held in the other half of the town, 

 the postmaster giving up the half of his house for 

 the purpose, as the court-house was yet to be built. 

 The judge, who travelled this circuit, had come from 

 Little Rock with several advocates, and took his place 

 by the chimney in a cane chair. Two tables were 

 placed together in the middle of the room, though 

 rather nearer the chimney, round which the advocates 

 and the clerk of the court took their places. A case of 

 assault was first brought forward ; the jury, who must 

 be householders, were chosen, and sworn, and placed 

 themselves on a long bench against the wall. The 

 proceedings were opened by the prosecuting attorney, 

 who directed the attention of the jury to the various 

 laws enacted against this crime, and then called his 

 witnesses. He was followed by the advocate for the 



