The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1871-04-19

es against tne walls, ana containing
some twenty occupants ot both sexes,
and all classes She was thrust in
among the wretched group, and the
door locked upon her.
Sorry to see you here, my dear,
said a gaily dressed woman coming
up to her, as she stood bewildered in
the middle OF the cell.
'Egad though, I'm not continued
a drunken fellow, attempting to en-
brace her.
Leave her alone exclaimed the
woman, thrusting the man away, and
knocking him down without much
effort
- The rest now gathered round the
widnw anil her newly-tound defender
they offered no interference, but gazed
with sleepish wonderment at what was
going on.
You're a nice one to protect the
inn"cent, Poll, you are said one OF
the prisoners, jeering.y, 10 the woman
who held the widow III her arms
Il shall protect who 1 please was
the reply, accompanied with an oath
shes out ot place among US, and will
soon be released
No, no, let her stop here,' stam-
mered the drunkurd, lying where he
had fallen, let us all stop here; it's
very comfortable, Pm sure
The woman tried to soothe the wild
ow, and succeeded in preventing the
others from molesting her. 1t would
indeed, have been useless for any OF
them to dispute the authority of such
n protector whose powerful arm kept
them all ut bay.
An huur-,wo hours elapsed in this
terrible position-the prisoners, those
to whom tile locahty and circnmstan-
ces were familiar, had settlel them
selves for the night; some stretched
upon the floor, Others upon the bench
es. One or two novices continued to
pace the cell. occasionally disturbing
the sleepers, who protested loudly and
coarsely against the intrusion.
The widow reeainei her speech and
Consciousness, and was still clinging
to her protector, when the door opened,
and her name was called.
Being led out. she was received at
the entrance by an old friend who had
been desired tp come to her assistance
by an unknown visitor.
Without waiting to inquire into
what had happened, he offered to be
come security for her.
You are householder p said the
constable. interrogatively.
i am not, but live in a house he
longing to my family, and am medi
cal man we'll known in this neighbpr-
huol.'
Useless, sir. quite useless. If you
are professional man, you perhaps
know our regulations in these Cases,
and how strict they are
The doctor endeavored to overrule
the objections, but unsuccessiuliy; the
police insisted upon the accused re
turning to the cell, and We're about
removing her when Mr.. Williamson
arrived, accompanied by several other
friends, to find whom he had been
driving about town. Two responsible
householders satisfied the require
ments of the police, bail was accepted,
and the widow taken to her home,
overcome with excitement and distress
of mind,
Il told them it was a mistake said
the conductor as he opened the door
of the omnibus, but that old vixen
wouldn't have it
Having escorted the widow to her
home, Mr.. Williamson and those with
him lett her to the care ut the doctor
and servant.
1t was 5 o'clock in the morning be-
fore the omnibus vas dismissed, hav-
ing been employed all night by Mr.
williamson in his enoeav0r to gather
the WIDOWS friends together
According to the Dire, tions given
by police all concerned in the strange
occurrence assembled at the police
court, at eleven o'clock the following
day.
The nigh t charges being disposed of,
a short delay occurred before the more
important cases were called on The
buzz o! conversation in the crowded
court was suddenly interrupted by a
Constable making h 5 way towards the
widow and her friends, and conduct
ing them with much certainty to the
magistrates room.
y hat could have happened? Was
The densely packed audience to be dis
by the case being heard IN
private? ? CURIOSITY was still more
crnelly excited when the magistrate,
returning to his seat on the bench, de-
sired the clerk to proceed with case
number two on the list, aul passed
over that OF the widow and the watch
without remark.
In the meantime a strange scene
had been going on behind the legal
curtain.
Upon entering the room the widow
was met by her accuser, who, in the
most abject manner, implored forgive
ness tor what had happenei she had
come to confess her error; the watch
had been found.
And where was it found p asked
NJ. Williamson of the woman who
was on her knees.
Not halt an hour ago. liz my table
drawer gasped the viragn, who was
now as humble as she had been vio-
lent.
nd you had not the prudence to
look there fot it last night said the
rector.
Il was so sure she had it,
You still persist in taking this lady
for a thief! exclaimed Mr.. william-
SON indignantly.
The widow requested the penitent
to rise, and declared she readily for
gave her
But the matter cannot be allowed
to rest thus said Mr.. Williamson "a