Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-09
CONFINED from first page. !


seen him ever since"
What is your fathers name ?''
..Dawson-Jim Dawson
And he has sent YOU no money-noth-
ing"
Nothing. Never heard of him since
he went away But when he was going
he left us bag of -four. and lots Of gro
ceries and things-as much az would last
ms for six months. and he'd be sure to be
back before the provisions were all out"
And you have got no letter from him
at all ~
mot one.'' replied Lena, with deep
sigh.
Poor Dawson had written to his chill
dren. however. but postal communication
being at that time very irregular and I'M
certain in the Silver State, the children
did not receive his letters.
well, must go now" said the officer
after panse. .'but I will call tomorrow,
and you'll have to accompany me upto
The police station. for ! must do my duty,
YOU know. Good-by.'
And Lena Dawson was left alone with
her little brothers and sisters. She felt
sad and lonesome alter the departure OF
her kind benefactor. but the buoyancy oil
childhood soon gained TIE asrendancy.
and before bed time the orphans were as
happy as any group Of little children IN
Virginia City.
Meantime. the report about the stealing
Of the bread and the destitute condition of
the children got abroad Jim Dawson,
miner himself. was well known and pop
ular among the miners. and The case
created such sympathy and elected so
many "reminiscences and commentaries,
that quite crowd was attracted the next
day to the police court.
Judge Moses presided. The Judge bore
the name Of being upright and honest.
kind and benevolent, and If fanlt he had
at all, It was thought TO be somewhat un-
compromising rigor in the discharge OF
his Official duties. II was hard to say how
the case would 60.
After the transaction Of some preim-
nary business the case was called. The
baker swore to the stealing oil the bread,
and identified the defendant "a the thief.
The officer testified TO the furnishing con-
dtion in which he found the children, but
said not syllable about what he had
done to relieve them.
Poor Lena stood trembling before the
indgc. Thereupon miner rustled
through the crowd and stood before the
bench, cycling the Judge with deprecat-
ing look.
II declare to the Almighty, ledge"
said he, II never knew the state OF Jim
DAVIS sons children, and if did"
lie dropped twenty into Lena's trem-
bling hand.
You Jest knowed rs much about it As
other folks" exclaimed another miner.
excitedly. walking up and putting an
other twenty into the girls hand. with an
indignant air that flung back any latent
suspicion that he knew anything OF the
children's distress any more than any
body else.
Here Long Alec. II miner-so called on
account Of his height and size-slid timid-
ly and bashfully up to Lena's side.
"I.eeny." he said; in a half whisper.
'.hold yer pinafore." and he slipped two
twentics into her apron. and then slid
back behind the crowd into corner, and
holding his hat TO his face. glanced timid-
~ around to see that he was completely
out OF sight.
Then came Wabbling Joe. who was far
more baslful than even Long Alec. but
put on a bold tace and laughed and talked
loud To make believe that he was not
bashtul at all.
..Jcdgc,'' cried Wabblng Joe. laugh
ing and nodding iamiiarly at the
court. to disarm that iunctonary of pos
sible rgor in the trial of the case in hand
-"Jedge. let the girl slide. She amt
done nuhin' but you and would do if we
were hungry
And poor Lena was once more the re-
cipient of another present.
The court held down his head and
smiled at Wabbling Joc's defense of the
accused. but Immediately recovering his
gravity said:
"Gentlemen. | appreciate your liberali
ty and generous sympathy for the young
offender. and am particularly impressed
with the ingenious defense made by my
friend Wabbling Joe. here good ma
tured laugh escaped the whole crowd, rs
if to put the Judge in good humor-"but"
continued his honor. whatever might be
the sympathy of the court for the sad con-
dition OF the accused. there is a public du-
" to be performed. and the case must
therefore proceed
.'What is your name. my girl p asked
the court.
They call me Lena Dawson. sir" was
the reply
Call YOU Lena Dawson And | sup
pose Lena Dawson is your name is
il no. P' observed the judge.
mo. sir. 1t amt" returned the girl.
"My father died when | was only three
years old. and my mother got married to
Mr.. Dawson some time atterward. My
proper name is Madeline Winters. but
they call me Lena for short"
Madeline Winters where were You
horn ?" asked the Judge.
lin Kansas City sir. was the reply.
In Kansas City," echoed the court in 4
voice of still deeper gravity than before
"And what was your mothers maiden
name. do YOU know ~
Madeline Moses. sir.
Madeline Moses, Nv God My God
She was my sister,
And Judge Moses. overcome with emo
ton. bowed his head on the desk. while
a torrent Of tears flowed down his face
just as the crowd. in obedience to the
dictates of delicacy. were emerging from
the police court. to let uncle and niece in
dulge in the sacred JOY of mutual recogni-
ton. Jim Dawson appeared AT the door.
having Just returned from his prospecting
tour in Eureka. and with an innate sense
of propriety that did honor to his acquain
tances. who were all reioiced to see him.
was quietly permitted to Join his relatives