South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1883-04-27
His Last Court.
From The Arkaasaw Traveller. 3

FROM the Arka3saw Traveller.
| Old Judge Grepson. a,jassice OF tao
I peace, was never known 10 am.la. lie
cane TO Arkansas years ago beforsscar
| pei-baggecs' began their reckless sway.
aud year after year, by the will or the
voters, lie held bis place as mag istrate.
The lawyers who practiced in bis court
! never engaged IN levity. Every morning
no matter how tho weather might be, tho
old mar took bis place behind the bar.
which, with his own hands. lie had made.
and every evening, Just at a certain time
he closed his books aud weat home. -
NO one ever engaged him in private
| conversation, because he would talk to
no one. No one ever went 20 his home,
a lsitlc cottage among che tees ia the
city's out-skirts. because be had never
shown disposition to make welcome
the visits OF those who lived in tie inn
mediate vicinity. His ofiice was no, My.
en- him through tue inile Eca Of 1lectiou-
eering, because lie never n, KEEL any
man Tor bis vote. lie was first elect
ed because, having been once summon
Ell IN case of arbitration. he exhibit
CD tbo executive side OF sucn q legei
mind that the people nominated aud
elected him. He soon gained the name
OF The hard justice aud every lawyc,
IN Arkansas referred 10 his decisions
His rulings wero never reversed by The
higher courts. He showed no sent.
mont ia decision. lie stood upon the
platform of a law which he made a
study, and no man disputed bin.
Seyera! days ago womsn charged
with misGemeanor was artaigged before
him. TIE old man seems more than
ever unsteady remarked lawyer as
the magistrate took his seat 4 don'l
sec how man SO old can stand the
Vezations Of q cont much longer
4 am not we'll to-day said the Judge
turning 10 the lawyers, land any case
that yod may have you will please dis
patch them 10 the best, aad, let me add
quickest Of your ability
Every emo saw that the oil man was
unusually feeble, and no one though,
of scheme to prolong discussion, for
ali The lawyers bad learned ID revc--
ence him.
who is this woman asked The
judge. WHO is defending he,?'
4 have no Defense, your honor, the
! woman replied, in fact, 10 not
think that l need Gny, for / an, here L.
confess my guilt. No man can defend
me- and she looked at the magistrate
with curious gaze. i have heeu ar
rested on charge Of disturbing the
pelcc& lem dl iag OF consumption, Judge.
and know that any ruling made by The
/ law can have bu: lt,l3 effect on NE =
and she coughed hollow, hacking
cough, and drew Grounl her nm old
, black shawl that che wore. The ex-
! preston on the face OF the magistrate
remained unchanged. but his eyelids
| dropped and be did not raise them
when the woman continued: as say
no man can defend me, | am too near
that awful approach, TO pass which we
! know ia everlasting death 30 soul and
] BODY Years ogo | was child Of
! brightest promise. lived With my pa.
rcuts in Kentucky. Wavward ana
| lghthearted ] was admitted by all tue
/ gay society known il the neghborhood
I 4 man came and prcfessed his love ror
me. | don't say tus judge TO excite
/ your syr2pAlhy. | bavc many and ms,
ny time been dragn before courts.
but never before spoke OF ny pas,
!ire.'
Sue c,usEed again. and caught a flow
! Of blood on her handkerchief whic@i
/ sic pressed 70 her lip, 4 speak of
! now because | know that tbis Is the
1 last court on Garth hofore which viii
! I've arraiuned. was fifteen years old
! when fell in love with the mau. NV
! father seid he was bad. bur ] love-.
! him. He came again aud again, and
/ when my father said that be should
/ come no more / ran away and married
him. MY father said should never
/ come home again. had always been
J his pride, and had loved him 60 dearly
but he auia that must never again
come TO his home my homo, the home
Of my youth and happiness. How |
longed TO see him. How ! yeorued to
/ put ny head on III, breast. Ny hus-
band became addicted to drink. lie n.
bu ed me. ] wrote 90 my father, ak
ing him 20 let me come home. but the
answer that came vas, Il do not know
F.. yoBr Ny husband diel-ves, cursed
|. Col and dIedl Homeless and wretch.
cd aud with my little hoy, 7 went Gu,
into the world Ny child died. AMI |
bowed Gowo and wopt over pauper's
grave. / wrote TO my father again, bni
ne answered: 4 know not those Who
disobey ms commandments turaed
away from ttat letter hardened. !
spTncd my teachings. Eow I au
/ hero
Several lawyers rushed forward a
( Crimson tide fowel from Der lips
They leaned Der lilcless head back a.
eai1st the chair Tue Old Mag istrate
had not raised his eyes. Great Godl
said lawyer. 'ne Is dead I
The woman Sas his daughter.
AE.VV lNNySs AHEAD.
. $500. -.