The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-03-28

rebuke for his levity.
"Yees, he be, sure an 1t will 90 hard
wi him, l warrant" he remarked, as he
wended his way to the judges bench
and handed that worthy sealed note
then, with his hat in hand, waited until
his lordship had perused it.
During all this time the unfortunate
prisoner had not lifted his head, but kept
his face hidden in his cambria handker.
chief. -..a
When the Judge had read the note
handed him by the countryman, he held
out his hand to him and shook it warm
ly. to the intense surprise of all present
"What did this mean 2" was my men
tai inquiry.
They conversed in aIo4tonesfera seme
time, and once both directed their gaze
to where | was sitting.
"More mystery" l thought
AT this moment the prisoner raised
his head and gazpd mournfully around
the room, taking in the judge and coun-
tryman in bis apparently aimless glance
Tears were actually streaming down bis
cheeks. which he brushed away with his
handkerchief. A murnnur of commiser-
stion went around the room and all eyes
were turned toward the judge, as If in
one unanimous appeal for the unfortu-
nate prisoner. But the next moment q
murmur of reprobation rang around the
room. The learned Judge was smiling
-actually smiling, as if highly amused
at sight of the tear. stained face of Ra.
pine, while the low but distinct chuckle
Of the countrvman was again heard.
His lordship nov beckoned me to ap-
proach. / went up to the bench, when
the Judge introduced the man to me as
Mr.. Edmund Darke, Scotland Yard de-
tective.
We shook hands, Of course, but was
still dazad, as he noticed this, and face
tiously asked:
"Be you still angry wi / for laughing
at yon knave ?" nodding in the direction
of the prisoners dock.
"Knave" echoed /, more aud more
mystified, while the worthy Judge enjoy
ed the joke, and laughed heartily.
"AYe, knave as we'll as rogue" rejoin-
ed Darke, assuming his natural manner
of speech. "He is the most adroit thief
in the three kingdoms, and his talent at
humhugging an audience-judge inclu.
ded," added he, mischievously, glancing
at his lordship; sis scarcely exceeded
by his pilfering exploits. I came here
TO look for him. for he is wanted in Lon,
don to finish the term he was serving in
Newgate for burglary. But, thsnks to
you, Mr., Oldfeld, be is about to serve a
term in Manchester Jail first. When
that expires I'll he on hand to take him
on pleasure trip--1ot mutual one
to London"
"Bat the tears that we're streaming
down his face!" observed l. "How do
you account for that2 They surely
ssemed natural"
Yes, natural enough, but produced
by artificial means, nevertheless" re-
Joined MIR. Darke. "When he wants t.
do the swater-works' game he rubs bis
eyes with a handkerchief he carries
about his person for that purpose, said
article being prepared beforehand bv be-
ing soaked with onion juice. and carefully
dried and ironed."
"Then the sad tale he told about the
seduction of his beloved sister and her
tragic death, and the suhseq lent sad
end of bis mother ?" asked /.
"All fabricated tale told for the e.
feet" said the Scotland Yard detective,
with smile. "He never had sister,
an his mother keeps al assgnstion
house in London, and is living to-day |
He is the ilegitimate son of some prof
ligate nobeman, Of whom he has inher-
tied his amiahle traits of character"
Mr. Darke then said he would con-
vince Us. and webded his wsv to the
prisoners dock, and reached out his
hand to him, saving:
"Sorrv to see you in limbo, Jack"
"Sirr' exclaimed Rapine, drawing
hack in evident disgust. as his eyes
roamed over the face Of the seeming
countryman.
i've heard your affecting speech,
jack" the detective went on, "anl it'll
was really prime. Only one fault it had
1.-The whole thing was one of your in
genious works of artful dodging."
"Who are you ?" now asked the amaz
ed prisoner, sharply scrutinizing the man
beside him.
"Simply Edmund Darke of Scotland
Yard
Rapine started and turned red and
pale bv turns. and finally broke out into
langh, and observed:
"Yes, Darke, filter myself I have
done the crowd, judge, detective and
all So you really admired it, eh ?"
Immensely" was the response; and
then thief and thief-taker joined in a
quiet laugh at the humbugged assem-
blage, who had heard every word be-
tween the two men, and gave vent to
their vexstion and chagrin by declaring
that banging was too good for such q
barsted humbug.
Rspine, or Jack Romaine, his proper
name, only laughed IN the faces of his
dupes, and good.naturedly kissed his
hahd to his lordship on receiving his
sentence,
GOLD DUST.