When a felony case has been called, and either party is not ready for trial because a witness who has been duly subpoenaed and has failed to appear is not in the county in which the court is sitting, the Circuit Judge may appoint a special bailiff, who shall have power to arrest and bring the witness immediately before the court. The bailiff shall be allowed by the judge a reasonable compensation for the service, not to exceed that allowed to sheriffs for conveying prisoners to the penitentiary.
KRS 421.135