Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-03-10

lilly tried to turn the matter off with some pleas
antry, as she had done on other former occasions,
but Sinner was determined this time. and not
to be trifed with. He would have the matter
arranged then and there or he would remove
himself forever from the sight Of Matilda. He
wanted to marry her right away. lilly, per-
ceiving that she had to submit or give up
SINNER. finally capitulated. Probably II the
couple had gone at once and knelt dutifully be-
fore Mrs. Warmover, that worthy woman would
have most willingly bestowed her maternal
blessing upon them. Tilly had some notion that
Mr.. Potts and Mr.. Crasher might conceive O
rash desire to terminate their existence, If sud-
denly Informed of her match with MIR. Sinner,
peaceful boarding house, she told Mr. Sinner
no. She represented that her mother was most
unreasOnably opposed to the notion of her mar
Tying; They would have to elope. The happy
Mr.. Sinner was willing to accept any terms.
80 SO it was arranged that Miss lilly should, on
an aunt Of hers living near Hyattsville,
where Sinner should clandestinely Join her.
Well Tilly left on her visit. Sinner wrote note
to trusted Hyattsville cousin Of Tilly's I'M
known to Sinner, to whom their plans were to
be conided, and to avoid all possibility Of an
in0pportune disclosure or failure of delivery,
instead of entrusting the missive to the mail,
employed small boy as messenger and pur-
posely neglected to write any address or sigma
ture upon the note. Chuckling over this
bit Of shrewdness he set about preparing
himself for his expedition.
The authorities of Hyattsville were early ap-
prised of the intention Of two hot-blooded young
gentlemen to scandaliZe their peaceful village
by visiting 1t for the purpose of there peppering
each other with bullets. 1t has been unkindly
suggested that both Crasher and Potts had
taken care that notice should be sent to the
proper officers of the peace of the hostile ar
rangement, but the fact is, SO far as l can get
o1toh 10 info kl1A ~
boarding at Mrs. Warmover's having got wind
OF the affair, sent a warning message to the mag
istrate, who dispensed justice to the inhabitants
of Hyattsville. At any rate, not only the magis-
trate, but apOsse of the most fearless citizens
Ofthe town were on the alert, ready to capture
the offenders when they appeared. The vigil
ance of these minute men was rewarded by the
capture OF small boy who was seen to get off
the cars at the station in mysterious way and
skulk up back road, This culprt was hauled
before the magistrate, ana the Importance of his
arrest became apparent when, upon searching
him, there was discovered in his trousers pocket
sealed and anonymous note containing the
following significant message:
''Will arrive at Hyattsvile station. Thursday,
at 9 am. Have the other party ready. so that
the affair may be settled at once. You may
know me by my gray ulster. and red handker-
chief will wear about my neck. Address me
as Mr. Chump, so will know you are the right
person."
peace and good order, and the magistrate direct
ed that the small boy be held as a witness.
burly young man, attired in gray ulster
with red handkerchief conspicuousy displayed
about his neck stepped off the o'clock train at
the Hyattsville station the next morning.
That's him. !" said one of four or five men who
can't be no mistake about It," The man ad-
dressed was pushed forward, and with some
trepldation advanced and inquired of the newly
arrived gentleman in the gray ulster If he were
Mr.. Chump.
Eyes. All right / was afraid YOU weren't
here. Is everything fxed?"
The man replied that Mr. Chump was to 90
with him. and Mr.. Sinner left the station walk
ing close behind the heels of his conductor.
happy and unsuspecting. though a little sur
prised at the regiment of villagers that followed
after him at respectful distance. When they
arrived at the magistrates Office Mr.. Sinners
conductor, becoming suddenly very bold and
staggering. took Mr.. Sinner by the arm and
marched him into the awful presence of the
Squire.
what does this mean?" asked Mr. Sinner,
having glimmer of a suspicion that the pro-
ceeding was very extraordinary.
''This is magistrates office, sir, replied that
august functiOnary himself.
"NOw that was thoughtful of the other party"
said Sinner, thoroughly treasured and grinnng.
who'd have thought of such thing. So con-
venient You see. The whole thing can be settled
right here and its over in no time"
Mr.. Sinners apparent indiference-in fact his
gloating Joy at the prospect, as it was supposed
OF shooting and being shot at. had convinced the
magistrate and the loungers in his office that
they had to deal with very hardened offender.
Now that he had the audacity to suggest that the
magistrates office itself should be appropriated
to such tragic purpose they regarded him as q
very dangerous and desperate character In
MAGISTRATE seriously yuhi
perPd suggestion that he be put in irons but he
contented himself by getting behind the table
and motioning to the loungers to surround the
truculent Mr., Sinner. At this juncture the states
task of questioning Mr.. Chump was turned over
to him. after lie was first warned Of the desper-
ate character of the prisoner.
Nov Mr.. Chump," said the attorney. putting
his head to one side and pointing his finger at
the person addressed, after the manner of great
lawyers in conducting cross-examinations. Ssnow
Mr.. Cbump look here. We know your name
amt Mr.. Chump. We know the purpose for
which you have invaded this peaceful town. Do
you think that we will permit such proceed
ing here: The laws OF the state forbid it, SIR"
Mr.. Sinner ceased to grin and assumed
stupid bewildered stare as the states attorney
proceeded he never having heard that any state
had laws against marriage where man did not
undertake to marry more than one wife The
attorney, noting the effect of his words, and at
IF the laws of the state did not forbid it. Mr.
Chump our own feelings would compel us to
prevent a mans throwing himself away. This
affair might end seriously for both of you
gasp Of establishment from Mr.. Sinner
which confirms the attorneys good opinion OF
his own powers.
Now, you don't deny" said the attorney.
levelling his finger. "COme now, you don't
deny that you have come here on a secret mis-
sion-on matter concerning not only yourself
but anotherl'
Mr.. Sinner wouldn't deny.
IL thought not, +" said the attorney, Triumph
antly. "Now, you have admitted so much, 1
want to ask you another question Now, MIR.
Chump, you won't deny, sir. that you are the
author of this epistle?"
The attorney hereupon produced with a -four
ish the note which had been secured from the
small-bOy the evening before, and submitted 1t
to the astOunded and confused Mr.. Sinner who
admitted that he had written the note
81 knew it, said the attorney, waving his
hand to the spectators. "He admits it. Now
Mr. Chump, you see your schemes are known
and foiled. The law Is very severe against such
attempts and you will have to be held. There
Is one wayin which you may gain some leniency.
and that is by disclosing the name and giving
information that will lead to the apprehension
of the other party. We know the other party
deserves punishment just as much as YOU. It
may be plead in YOUR case "a a MITIGATING cir