The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1855-09-26
Judge Punderford,z Joke.

MS hame,jhdge TO MS Wfe, Judge to his family,
| Judge at home and abroad-rigidly and un-
finchinglv, Judge James Punderford to every
body, particularly to evil doers! s z1's
A Judge who would have held himself in
most reliable bail on sufficient complaint, and
sentenced himself to be hung, if proved guilty
Of capital offence, without mercy or compunc-
tion-but man who would have refused to
bulge an inch, had there been one word too
many, or one too few, in any of the legal pa
pers!
He was sixty years Of age, but it would have
been impossible to convict him, in his own opin-
ion, of being An old man. True, his hair was
quite grey, his features deeply furrowed, and
his nervous system much deranged, but Justice
through the bar and the bench, was answera-
BILE for that H ga - E5Ezs ss1
He appeared to feel as young as ever-pos-
sibe he did, though now and then, twinge of
rheumatic pain reminded him-not that be was
sixty years old, nothing of the kind, but that
the wind had shifted to the east-that storm
was soon coming on, or that the nature of
judge Jas, Punderford, was in some way or
other tormenting him. g..e z-.-~> ag- be-.
The judge was quite wealthy-owned a
large and elegant residence-and had sufficient
banking interest to render him easy on the
score of money. His wife had died some two
years previous to his introduction to the reader
and his family now consisted of Judge Punder-
ford, judge Punderford's only son, who resided
with his father and Punderford' S two married
daughters, who lived near neighbors to their
august parent. He kept number of servants,
left his household affairs to housekeeper, and
made the best of his somewhat lonely condi-
H. i
| and that there were SO few womenin the world
worthy to take the place of the lamented Mrs.
Punderford.
The jud ge was seated in his library, no one
present but his son Jack-"Jack Pundit," as
he was humorousy called by his fellows, and
''Jack, you rascal" as the old man almost in
| variaby addressed him, when alone with him
as if to remind him that he was always on trial
| for his follies. i .&F &+5. -~-@
He was about one and twenty years of age,
"very interesting young man." according to
the declaration of his lady friends, as wild and
reckless as his father was sedate-given to the
popular follies of the day, had circle of fash
ionable gallants as boon companions but withal
was naturally intelligent, we'll educated, pos
sessed an off-hand feeling of manliness and
honor, and with all his faults, was really noble
and generous in his disposition
| Judge Punderford had been busiy engaged
with his papers, Jack had been looking thought
| fully into the fire, both were silent.
"Jack, you rascal" said his father, at last,
"What are you thinking about?"
"Matrimony,' was "Jack you rascal's" brief
reply. IT,. -......--.
II thought as much, before l had the posi-
tive evidence, but let me inform you that mat
rimony is the last subject you should think
about without you are going to marry. Let
me have no more Miss Matilda affairs. Matri-
mony without marriage is humbug! But
perceive that you are bent on getting your neck
| into noose.''
Nothing of the sort. was the response. 81
have met a beautiful woman, the fairest and
best of her sex, the charming--.''
The same old story. Why don't you have
a little perception-judg soundly, and judge
for yourself He who would be truly wise,
must never receive truth till he has stripped
it of an error! For instance, if this charming
Miss of yours is praised for her beautiful hair,
acknowledge its beauty, but prove her beauti-
full hair to be wig!''
Jack was quite Mortified at this profane sug-
gestion against the charming Miss Bates.
my minds made up" said he doggedly,
and then he looked dogged into the fire.
"Then we will hear your verdict-that is,
what is your mind up to?"
"To marry Miss Bates" ...l .:.
"Miss Bates, umph Daughter of the late
Artemas Bates, | suppose?" ....
1.-THE same
"Umph! I knew her father when he was la
boring on a farm at ten dollars month! He
was always honest, but poor. The family are
respectable enough but have no position. AS
to the daughter, or the particular daughter
to whom you allude, she may be well enough
but you could not seriously think of such an
alliance"
'But could, and I have,' reioined Jack
very seriously. "Malvina Bates is the best girl
| ever knew-the kindest, the most charming,
the most talented, and really love her.
This was more than Jack had ever said in
favor of any other woman, and his words as
tonished bis father not little. r. ... q
II don't believe word of it. Are you in
the habit of visiting Miss Bates?" 6.
II see her occasionally"
''Then shall write Miss Bates letter pla-
cling her on guard against you. l shall tell her
that you are knave, rascal, deceiver, sir?
what do you think of that sir?'
&s4''It's favorable, if you will allow me to pre-
sent her your letter! A little wholesome abuse
.iudciously administered, has made many
mans fortune, especially with the opposite sex.
shall tell her that you are angry because
refused to marry the governors daughter, on
her account and then, wont she love me?".
Jack chuckled triumphantly, and his father
said no more about the letter. Seeing that he
had made an impression, Jack continued: -
"H you knew Miss Bates you would not say
aWord against her, orin opposition to my wish
es. Ishall urge my desire till you grant it"
But the judge was not to be thus beaten,
7 have no objection to your marrying" said
he, seriously, sin fact the sooner you marry
the better, but let it be with some one whois wor-
thy Of being Mrs. Punderford. Marry, but don't
forget your dignity-our dignity. 1''. Vi"
Es'.As for Miss Bates, / have not seen her
since shewas child, as you have hinted, but
know her family are poor, and altogether out
Of our circle. She may be attractive--doubt- I
less she is, Or she would not have obtained such
a hold upon your mind as you seem to evince,
but have no doubt your Glove will go the
way Of all your pastloves in a acou~ se Of weeks