The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1877-01-19
VOL. IL.
The officers face grew pale.

\
are free"
The quickly changing color in the young
mans face betrayed how inwardly disturb
ed he was; but stepping close up to them
both, he said, with apparent self-command,
"You will renounce your claim when
tell you that | am a-a-poor man, who
has nothing to live on but his officers pay,
and the amount of that pay hardly reach
es the sum of two hundred rubles in q
whole year. I can, therefore, make no
amends for the misfortune, except by again
begging your pardon"
ooh any body could say all that but
we'll see if it's true we'll find out if you
have nothing but your pay. declare my
self not satisfied with your excuses, and !
demand my money! persisted the lady, in
the hard voice of a thoroughly unfeeling
woman.
"That is true-you are right" the hus-
band added, dutifully supporting her. "By
good luck we have the open court just now
in session. Go with us before the judge
and he will decide the matter"
All further protestation on the officers
part that he was poor, that he was expect
ed on duty, and so forth, did not help mat
ters. Out ofrespect 10 his uniform and to
avoid an open scene, he had to 60 with
them to the courtroom, where the gallery
was densely packed with a crowd Of peo-
pie.
After waiting some time, the lady had
leave to bring her complaint
"What have you to answer to this com
plant ?" said the judge, turning to the Of
fcer, who seemed embarrassed and half in
despair.
"0n the whole, very little. AS the late
ness of the hour, and being required on
duty, compelled me to hurry, did not no
tice this lady's train, which was dragging
on. the ground. I caught one Of my spurs
in it, and had the misfortune to tear her
dress. Madame would not receive my ex-
cuses, but perhaps now she might find her
self more disposed to forgiveness, when |
again declare, so help me God, that com
mitted this awkward blunder without any
mischievous intention, and earnestly beg
that she will pardon me-
A murmur ran through the gallery, evi-
IDENTIFY from the people taking sides with
the defendant, and against long trains il
general and the lady in particular.
The iudge called to order and asked
fare you satisfied with the defendants ex-
planation ?"
''Not at all satisfied. 7 demand two
hundred rubles in payment for my torn
dress"
Defendant, will you pay this sum ?"
II would have paid it long before this
had I been in position to do 50. Unfor-
tunately am poor. My pay as an officer
is all [ have to live on
HYou hear, complainant, that the DE-
fendent is not able to pay the sum you de-
mand Of him. Doyou still wish the COM
plant to stand r.
An unbroken stiffness reigned through
out the hall, and the young officers breath
could be heard coming hard.
IT wish it to stand. The law shall give
me my rights"
There ran through the rows Of people
murmur Of indignation that atsounded like
rushing Of water.
Consider, complainant, the consequeE-
,es Of your demand, The defendant can
be punished only through being deprived
Of mis- personal liberty, and BY that you
could obtain no satisfaction, while to the
defendant It might prove the greatest il
jury IN his rank and position as an officer;
and especially as be is az officer who IS
poor and dependent upon bis pay. Do yop
still insist upon your eonplaint?;
T still insist upon it."
The course the affair was taking seemed
to have become painful to the lady's hus-
band. He spoke with his wife urgently,
but, as could be seen By the way she held
up her head and the energy with which
she shook It, quite nseless}y, The judge
was just going on to further consideration
Of the case, when loud voice was heard
from the audience:
Il will place the two hundred rubles At
the service Of the defendant
There followed silence, during which
gentleman forced bis way through the
crowd and placed himself BY the young q
fcer's side.
@sir, / am the Prince VI, and beg
you viii obige me BY accepting the loan
Of the two hundred rubles n question.
Prince, ! am not worthy Of your kind
ness; for don't know if shall ever be
able to pay the loan,'' answered the young
man, his voice tremulous with emotion.
ssTake the money 1t al events. ! can