The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-02-06
HER ANGELS PICTURE.
Topi. P. Read. ia New York M.resry,l

Topie P. Read. In New York Mereay.l A miserahle-looking woman, aErayed in an old calico dress and . tattered shawl, was arrested in an Arkansaw crossroads town, and, followed by c crowd of idle men, was taken before q justice of the peace. The warrant stated that the woman had stolen an oil painting from the proprietor of a plantation sup ply store. The painting was picture oi beautiful little girl. A jury was hastily impanneled. The woman said that she was not able to employ a lawyer, and when an attorney stepped forward and offered to defend her she turned wisA . courtesy, which proved that she had not always been an outcast, and said:
 "No, l thank you, sir. It is useless to auemrt defense, for am guilty"
 Madam" ]" remarked the justice, 'your crime admits of no excrSe. Had you stolen something to eat or to wear. the case would be different. You may be a lover of the fine arts, and your taste is very gcod,' he added as he held up the picture, "still it is my duty to see that you are punished"
 "Judge," said the woman as she put back her tangled hair, al am ready to suffer any punishment you may name, but first beg of you 10 permit me to make a statement, not with hope of nit igating your decision. but to show you that though depraved, l am not utterly without heart. Hear me patiently, please Many years ago-oh, don't know how long-i lived in a city not great distance from here. was the wife of prosper ous man. We had one child, little girl. We had her picture painted. Shortly afterwards she died My husband by this time became involved. He took to drink. saw my home sold-l saw him take the picture of my l,tle angel away He sold it to picture dealer His race ~as soon run. was thrown out on the world. fell: yes, fell, for was weak Ny soul was dipped in shame, but did not forget the picture of my child. One day went to buy it, but it was gone. became drunkard-l became insane l was long time in an asylum, Al last 1 seemed to walk from dark room into brightly lighted hallway. wandered hardly know whither. The other day came to this town. As was passing q house l caught, through a half open door, a glimpse of picture. My hear leaped. knocked at the door. A mar Came and, frowning on me, said, 'gc away from herer tried to tell him about the picture-l begged him to le' me look at it, but he slammed the dooi Tn my face. fingered near until saw the man leave the house. Then stole into the house. l heard woman singing in another room; heard child shout saw the picture of my little angel stood upon a chair, took it down and pressed it to my heart. hurried away still clasping the picture, Jus, as turned into the street, the man-there he stand: -seiLed me. A few minutes later ar officer arrested me, T."
 Jedge,' said one of the jurymen aris ing, :" reckon you will have to excuse me. aint much uv hand at thi' sorter business, no how"
 est mark my name offen yer list jedge," said another juryman. nevel hung roun' cou't houses anuh to han'ls sich cases"
 The other jurymen, the prosecuting witness, the crowd, filed out of the room The judge and the woman were alone.
 Madam" said the old man, "thers don't seem to be anything against you ir my court. Here, take the picture, and by George, like to have forgotit-here'. a ten dollar bill that think belongs to you. A man told me to give it to you but my old recollection is getting so bad that come within one of forgetting it What, you ain't goiD' to cry. Tut, tut there now," he added as he adjusted hel old shawl and pressed the money into her hand, run along"
 "Oh, judge"
 "Tut, tut, don't cry. Why, you put me in mind-but must go."