Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-12-11
THE WEEKLY STAB.
A COURT sCESE In KANSAS.

Some two years ago, SAYS our informant
| quite an amusing and novel scene trapspired
! In the presence OF his honor, Probate Judge
| Of Kansas, while he was holding court
We shall not give the real names of the par-
ties, and hope 10 one will take ofence.
Tie date OF this scene was some time in Feb.
ruary, 1654-the locale in some county.
The court room was a little log hut, ten by
twelve, with a dirty chimney and floor; chairs
were very scarce, and his honor had had sew
| ersl chunks of wood rolled in for seats Upon
one of the said chunks his honor sat, with all
his judicial di entity Before him was srraigned
some poor fellow, for borrowing bis neigh bor's
chickens without permission, confronted by
his accuser. Upon the opposite side of the
place sat the sheriff and one Of his friends, en-
gagged in pleasant game Of " old sledge
We will call them Smith and Brown.
The Judge, after adjusting his quill and
brushing back his hair several times, that his
legal bumps might be thoroughly exhibited, !,
and looking the prisoner full in the face, pro.
pounded an interrogstory like this:
Judge what have you tc say for your
self
Brown.--Smith, L beg.
Smith -I'll see you ID frst.
Judgs.-Sherif, keep silence in the court
Well, sir. what have you to cay about these
chickens
Brown aside. Run the kurds, Smith
Pr!souer Il intended to pay Mr.. Virgins
for them chickens.
Judge Why didn't
Brown.-SmIth, yCu don't come that new
kick over me; follow suit, d-n you; mono Of
your renigueing.
Judge The court finds 1t impossible to
proceed, unless you have order in the court.
house
SmiCh.-Iu q moment, Judge. Count your
GENE, Brown
Judge.-Did you eat or sell those chickens
Prisoner Il sold them.
Judge How much did you make on
Smith -High, low, jack, gift and game
Brown.-Who no give you one'
Smith, beg your pardon. Twas you that
begged.
Judgo.-Silence in the court
Everything was quiet again for few mo-
ments; the cards were shuffled and dealt, and
in the mean time his honor proceeded with the
examination.
liz the height of some other questions being
propounded by the Judge, Smith begged, and
Brown gave one, hslloing out
Now rip ahead, old hoss-fve and FIVE -
The Judge, indignant and angry, arose from
the bench and crossed 10 the players. Before
he could speak, he espied Smiths hand, hold
iug the jack and ten of trumps, at the same
time glancing at big stone lying between
tie two, be saw two half dollars
Brown" says the Judge, "I'It bet you
FIVE dollars Smith beat the game
"DOne, says Drown, and up went the ore.
Smith led IF, and won the trick; led again,
and won; led the third time and won, but no
game yet commenced whistling and scratch
ing his head.
Judge cleaning on Smith, and with one eve
shut. Smith, play 'um judiciously.
Smith led a little heart, and lost the trick
Brown played the queen at him, and won the
ten.
Hold said the Judge, " let mo see"
Br0wE.-What's the matter, Judge
Smith Impatient. Lead on, Brown.
BrOwn.-Piay to the ace.
Judge (raviUg. This was a made up thing
-y0u have defrauded mel fine you both
twenty five dollars for contempt Of court
Brown pocketed the money-the prisoner
sioped, aud so the court adjourned without
any formal process.