Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1856-12-31
A Court Scene in Kansas.

come Two years ago, says our informant
quite an amusing and novel scene transpiret
| in the presence of his Honor, a probate Judg,
Of Kansas, whilst he was holding court
We shall not give the real names of the
parties, and hope no one will take offence.
The date of this scene was some time IL
February, 1S54-the locale in some county.
The court room was little log hut, ten by
twelve, with dirt chimney and floor. Chairs
were very scarce, and his Honor had several
chunks of wood rolled in for seats Upon one
of the said chunks his Honor sat, with all his
judicial dignity. Before him was arraigned
some poor fellow for borrowing his neighbor'.
chickens, without permission. confronted By
his accuser. Upon the opposite side of the
fire place sat the Sheriff, and one of his friends
engaged in a pleasant game of = old sledge y
we viii call them Brown and Smith.
The Judge, after adjusting his quill, and
reaching back several times his hair that bis
legal bumps might be thoroughly exhibited,
aud looking the prisoner full in the face, pro-
pounded an interrogatory like this:
Judge-Sir, what have you to say for your
self?
Brown-Smith, beg.
Smith-Tll see you ID first.
Judge-Sherif, keep silence in the Court
Well, sir, what have you to say about these
chickens?
Brown-(aside) Run the kurds. Smith
Prisoner intend TO pay Mr.. Wiggins fol
them chickens
Judge-Why didn't
Brown-Smith, you don't come that new
kick over me-follow suit, d-n you: none OF
your re-nigueiag.
Judge-The Court finds it impossible to
proceed, unless you have order in the Court
House.
Smith-Ina a moment, Judge Count your
game, Brown.
Judge-Did you eat or sell those chickens?
Prisoner-I sold them.
Judge-How much did you make on
Smith High-low- jack gift-and- game.
Brown-Who give you one
SMITH beg your pardon. Twas you that
begged.
Judge-Silence in the court
Everything was quiet again for few mo-
ments the kurds were shuf1led and dealt,
and in the meantime, his Honor proceeded
with the examination.
In the height OF some other question being
propounded by the Judge, Smith begged,
aad Brown gave ore. hal!ooing cut:
:. Now, rip ahead old hoss-fve and FIVE.
The Judge, indignant and angry, arose
from the court bench and crossed to the play
ers. Before he could speak, he spied Smith :
hand, holding the jack and ten of trumps at
the same time glancing at a big stone laying
between the two, he saw two half dollars.
g Brown, says the Judge. g I'll bet you
five dollars. Smith beats the game
Dun" says Brown. and up went the ore,
Smith led of. and won the trick led again,
and won led the third time and won, but no
gam yet-conlmeRccdw whistling and scratch
ing his head.
Judge-Qeaning on Smith and with one
eye shut)-Smith, played 'um ju-diciousiy.
Smith led little heart, and lost the trick
Brown played the queen at him and won the
ten.
Hold ~ said the Judge, ''let me see."
Brown-W hats the matter. Judge?
Smith atient)-Lead on, Brown.
Rrown-Play to the ace.
Judge (raying)-This was made up
thing-you have defrauded me-I fine you
both twenty-five dollOrs, for contempt of
Court
Brown pocketed the money, the prisoner
sloped, and SO the court adjourned without
any formal process.