The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-02
A SLY SCHEME.
How Old Ike Prepared His Way Saved
 By the Boy.

Old African Ike was summoned to ap- pear before court to render important testimony in case involving the honor of colored gentleman who, nearly every one believed. stole sheep. Young Null kittle upon whom strict watch was not kept-his mother being on a visi, in the country, and his father being absorbed in preparing himself for coming debate asked old Ike if he might accompany him.
 fse gwine ter tend ter some law busi- ness, honey. an doan' know dat i, woul' be 'sistant wid de cou't O de ian ter 1ow chillun ter ';ieipate in de proceegins Q de hour, but mebby, e ha1 siderable 'huence wid de hall O jestice. da mout, les' ter please me, set aside de rules an negotiations, cause yer know. honey, l uster be member O de cotton change
 "A member of the cotton change g' repeated the boy.
 "Oh, yas, uster change cotton fur bacon. Oh, l'se been 'fuen,ial man in my day. Come erlong, an 1 think da, kin work yer way inter de 'semblage."
 The old man had no trouble in secur- ing admission for the boy, such was his influence with the judge and prosecuting attorney, and conducting his young com panion to the reservation especially fenced in for the lawyers, he sat down, nodded in recognition of an acquaintance who sat on the "prisoners' bench,' and leaned back to enjoy the distinction guaranteed by his former relationship with the cotton change"
 "Ge, out of here," said a deputy sheriff. "You'll have to sit back wonder little fellow.'
 "rse witness on dis CT 'casion, sah, T replied old Ike, with proud attempt to stiffen the back of his neck.
 Well, % back yonder and stay until you are called.'
 3Ain't titled ter de special ceremony an pribiledge ?"
 "Cet out, tell you P
 "Sartanly,' and arising and turning to the boy, he said: "He doan' un'erstan' de sitywasAun, honey. He's CT new man in de flock, but wait till has time ter speak ter de jedge, an I'll hab his wings clipped CT little" The boy, indignAn, in the belief tha, the old mans importance had no, been recognized, insisted that the insuIses should be immediately brough, to justice, but the old man, wiser and more mature in his deliberations, replied:
 Neber mind, honey. De Sabior wuz once suited by de lawyers an de fox. houn's Q de cou't room, but dar punish ment come axtez erwhile.' The boy anxiously waited, and when old Ike was called to the witness box, he accompanied the sage, and seemingly unobserved, seated himself on the steps leading to the throne of justice.
 "What is your name ?" asked the prosecuting attorney after the old man had been placed under oath.
 ~Ike.-
 "What's your other name:''
 Which adder name. rse 20, fo' UT five. Belonged ter sebersi dif5eren, mar sters, sah."
 Well, which name do you go by z. Fust one den de udder. Owin' ter whut comp'ny rse in..
 .Never mind his name," interposed the lawyer for the defense "The sum- mons says that his name is Isaac Balch. ?
 Well, Mir. Balch," continred the prosecuting attorney, do you know the deSendans ?"
 @I oughter know him. He owes me er dollax.r
 @Whaf kind Of name does he sear in the neighboshood 5r
 Nebez heard muffin ezgin his name. Soun's vel ernufi."
 Do you consider him a honest man. p
 ~Waif siil he pays me dz; dollar. Den 1 voat be prejudiss."
 @Ten n what you knov in regard to his sssaiing shsep rom Mir. Parker."
 @Neber ssed him seal no shsep.r
 "Come, sir. Didn't you tel man that ypu had eaten pan q the shsepr
 @Yizin' ssll by tasda' = shesp vhusher