Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-03-10

James feeble intellect vainly endeavored
to extract the meaning of these words,
and as she cast her eyes up to the ceiling,
apparently in search of an explanation,-
that's one comfort" the little man solil-
oquzed, "they car. scrag me, at all
| events"
Here they were interrupted by the en-
trance OF the inspector, who summoned
Epaminondas to appear before the pre-
siding magistrate.
The stipendary magistrate for the bor-
ough OF Brighton was one Mr.. Range, a
! limb OF the law much respected and look.
ed up to by his brothers on the bench,
who had not received his legal training.
In person he was tall and thin, and of
grave and solemn aspect and demeanor.
! He had acquired this latter in the course
of his profession, for nothing, he had
| found from experience, added more to the
terrors of the law than the behavior of
those who dispense it; hence the jovial
Tom Range of domestic life became on
principle the learned and immovable Beak
Range of the public tribunal.
Before this imposing individual all that
remained of Epamiuondas land that little
much in want of good brushing) was
brought on this eventful morning. The
usual curiosity mongers, who are accus-
toned to attend these courts, were of
course there brought apparently Gf
guess may be hazarded from their general
| aspect and behavior) from feelings Of
selfgratuation to find that this time they
have not to put in an appearance as prin-
clpals. An imposing array OF constables
and policemen were also present, and
several of Epaminondas' comrades had
also arrived, in order to support him by
their countenance and sympathy in his
trying situation.
AS Epaminondas stood in the dock, and
realized the position in which he was
placed, he stiied rising tear, by pre-
tending to blow his nose, and then screw
ing his courage to the sticking-post des-
perately determined to overcome outward
ly the tremors which inwardly convulsed
him, and to bear himself as man and
soldier.
With this view, he assumed calm and
immovable expression of countenance,
and fixed firm and unblenching eye
upon the magistrate. so much So that
the latter, suddenly becoming aware OF
the steadfast gaze which was fixed upon
him, started violently, apparently under
the impression that some inpertlnence
was intended, and hurriedly gave direc-
tons for the opening of the case.
"Your worship said Sergeant Bum
bles, the inspector of police, the prisoner
at the bar is charged with the shooting of
one Joseph Corks, of Seven Dials, Maryle'
bone"
"Where is Joseph Corks?' said the
magistrate.
"Please, sir, he's too desperately wound
ed to be present"
How Epaminondas' heart jumped for
ioy at the word aoounded Then he wasn't
dead after all At this stage of the pro-
ceedings some commotion was observed
near the entrance door, and a big, burly
man was observed to be forcing his way
in. He was accompanied by young
woman dressed in mauve.
"Silence" called out an Infatuated OF
fetal, scandalized by such scene.
The big man, advancing to the front,
and pulling lock of hair that lay upon
his forehead by way of salutation, here
called out
Il am Joseph Corks, your worship"
1t was now observed that his head was
enwrapped in bandages and that he was
deathly pale. He was instantly accommo-
dated with seat in the wltness-box.
1t appeared that the ramrod, which had
| struck him on the side of the head, had
stunned him hence his death-like appear
ance on the ground. The wound inflicted
/ however, was but slight one, aud after
| some medical treatment he had been en-
abled to appear this morning.
AS Epamirondas gazed upon the low
brow and round bullet head of the indi-
vidual he had so unwittingly injured, he
started to recognize the lineaments of his
| friend of the omnibus, whose rough man.
ners IN the morning had been so distaste-
full to him. "Ah," he muttered to hlmself
! despondingly, it's malice prepuns after
| all.'
Joseph Corks, being then duly sworn,
deposed to the events of the day, with
which we are already acquainted.
"And this young female" continued
Joseph Corks, pointing to the young wo-
man in mauve, who was standing near,
as is the lady am keeping OF COM
pany with, went along with me to the re-
| view As we was standing promiscous
! like, looking on, she says to me, says she,
Whoever is that i'll. conditioned little fell
Ter here Epaminondas winced) amaking
eyes at us?' Yer honor, looked at him,
and knew him again directly. All thinks
! l. you're the young cock as couldn't take
care of yer rife; yer knows me again, |
see | little thought the rascal bore me
such malice as to try and shoot me. o
YOU willin," continued Mr.. Corks shaking
his fist savagely in the direction of Epami-
nondas who was making violent efforts to
interrupt the narrative, =" o you willin, if
/ could only get you by yourself on a
handsome bit of grass, I'd pay you hot
for this"
"What have you to say to thisy asked
the magistrate OF Epaminondas, when Mr..
Corks had finished.
] ar ,,,,,r M ,tnur vOrghiD y said EDami-