Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-10
PRODUCED THE EVIDENCE.
Words Failed, but When the Bottle Came
Forth All Doubts Disappeared.

| away IN tne great DaTn oi eternity, was
one of Arkansas first circuit-riders of
the law. There were only two circuits
in the state, and the Lighthouses in
which the grand and petit juries as
sembled. were often a weeks journey
apart. The natives were all anxious
to see Judge, believing him to be a
man of great stature and intellect, from
which but few scraps of information
were kept hidden. McTeal was rather
a small man with notified complexion
and nose which seemed to have
caught the lingering rays of an autumn
sun.
One day while riding along toward
Bent Shank courthouse, he lest the
"blazed trail." wandered for time in
the woods and finally came upon a
small cabin built of round logs. He was
in the act of drawing long breath,
preparatory to lusty 'helloa, when
he was startled by the swelling notes of
a hymn which suddenly arose. Nothing
more quickly revives the memory of
sacred teachings than a song of religious
! praise bursting upon an unexpectant
ear. and the Judge being man of or
| thodox faith, was thankful that in such
wild place he had found men who
were endeavoring to walk in the foot
steps of Peter and Paul. When he en-
tered the congregation stopped singing
and looked at him. The preacher, who
stood with his elbows resting on tall
slab bench, gazed at him intently and
said:
Thar seems to be disturbin' ele-
ment in the fold. Stranger. whut mout
be your bus s'ness?"
The judge, who was embarrassed to
see that his presence had wrought such
a change. replied that having lost his
way he had come upon the house. and
finding that religious services were be-
ing held. had entered. glad of an op-
portunity to indulge his appetite Of
worship.
1--WE halter be mighty keerful, pod
ner," rejoined the preacher. 'You
mout be true seeker airter the straight
an narrow path. but then agin, you
! moutent. To tell you the truth-an'
its one of my habits to be plain-I
don't like the way you've got yourself
rugged up. We don't put on no style
out here, an we don't see why an hon.
est man aughter put on them sorter
duds. What might be your business,
podnerp"
Il am the newly appointed judge Of
this circuit"
The preacher and the congregation
laughed. The idea of such a small man
being a judge was inconsistent with
the peoples preconceived estimate of
such a dignitary.
Look here. podner," said the
preacher, throwing one leg over the
bench, putting one hand under his
chin, and showing out his whiskers un-
til they pointed at the Judge, I'VE amt
all professors of larnin'. an it mout
take us some time to al'clate a eclipse
O. the sun, moon an stars. but thar's q
right smart sprinklin' o hoss sense
'mupgst us. A judge. eh?"
Pulling back his whiskers. the
preacher discharged a mouthful of
rambler and nodded at the Judge as
though he would clinch his last re-
mark.
Gentlemen, you are of course enti-
tied to your own opinions" said the
jurist, but we will waive all that aside.
Please proceed with your devotional ex-
ercises."
No" replied the preacher, 1--WE are
about through now"
Il hope that my presence has not
caused you to give up performance so
laudable."
Talks like Judge, dinged if he
don't" said q red-headed deacon.
slowly shaking his head, as though
wavering between continuation of
| disbelief. and conviction that the
judge had spoken the truth.
"Ias," replied the preacher, ''but
talk is easy. Eff l was to slick up
little an 60 into strange neighbor-
hood an give the folks few lines Of
my best conversation, why they'd
think that l had writ 'rithmetic or
been speaker of the legislator. y
Although the judges pride TO some
extent suffered. Yet the incredulity OF
the congregation amused him. Par
son. he said, 1--WE will not discuss the
question of whether or not L am
Judge, for, on an occasion of this kind,
it really makes no difference. How is
it. my good friend. that see no women
in the congregation?
Because thar amt none here, l
reel on" rejoined the preacher.
Yes, very likely that is one OF the
reasons"
AN another reason" continued
the preacher, ..is because they didn't
come"
This logic was SO convincing that
the congregation laughed.
why did they not Gomez asked
the Judge.
wall, they had to stay at home an
take keer of the chillun. The wimmin
folks don't need no preachin', for.
bless 'em. they are good enough with
| out it."
well. gentlemen, as services are
closed for to-day. l do not think there
would be any improperly in taking
| something to drink. Ihave some ex-
| cellent stuff here" continued the judge
taking out bottle.
In jine you," said the preacher.
throwing out quid of tobacco: Turn
ing up the bottle. he took q lingering
pull and said:
"Ah. boys. blamed if l don't believe
he is a Judge"
Turning up the bottle again. and
| hesitating some time before he took II
down, he wiped his mouth on his coat
sleeve, and declared: "Boys. blamed
| if don't know it.
Pass the evidence this way" said
the deacon. "Ah!'-after protract-
ed upward gaze--'.he's got the proof.
All that want to be satisfied jest come
up to the mourners' bench. Nobody but
| q ind oe could tote this sorter lickern
The entire congregation becoming
repentent, crowded around the mourn
ers' bench; and, as hymn broke forth
the Judge was lifted from the floor and
borne upon the shoulders of the ardent
worshipers. All the boys assisted in
finding the blazed trail. '.Never since
that time" said the judge in speaking
of the event. shave l found church
| where l was held in such high esteem"
I-ArkanSdW TrdUeler.