The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1886-01-07
HOW HE PLEADED.
Hc Won His Cause by the Glitter OF
His Eye.

court week IN COttOnvlilc, says III
atlanta Constitution, comes twice &
year. The town then revives a little
and some indications of life, movement
and business are visible. Cottonville
you know, was finished and fenced il
more than half a century ago. Since
that time not a nail has been driven
and,with the exception Of little white
washing, nothing has been done in the
line of repairs.
Once when Judge Blank, was on the
bench dropped into the court room
to pass an idle hour. The solicitor gen.
eral had just called the judges atten-
ton to an Indictment against one Jeffer-
son Orton. The charge was assault
with intent to murder, but the solicitor
said that he was satisfied he could not
secure a conviction. and he there
fore recommended that the indictment
be mol pros'd. The judge frowned, and
said In his stcrnest tones:
81 take different view oft, Mr.. Sol
icitor, It would be a reducing justice
to child's play to do as you suggest
The case will be called after dinner,
and it will be tried unless proper
showing is made for continuance.
His honor's tartness caused a little
stir. The solicitor turned red, and there
was a breeze of whispering all over the
courtroom.
In the afternoon I was on hand to
witness the trial of Orton. To the sur
prise of everybody it did not come off.
After taking his seat, Judge Blank, with
an embarrassed look, said:
'.Mr. Solicitor, believed you stated
this morning that you were in favor OF
having the Orton case mol pros'd."
eyes, may it please your honor" re-
piled the solicitor; ''but, of course, if in
your Judgement"
"Nevernind about that" interrupted
the Judge: II am satisfied that you
must have good grounds for making
such recommendation. Let the mat
ter be disposed of as you suggested"
There was buz of surprise for mo-
ment. Then other business engaged at
tention, and the matter was soon for
gotten. had no interest in the case,
and yet I could not help wondering
Whist had caused the Judge to change
his mind. found out all about it long
afterward.
When the court adjourned for dinner
on the day when these events occurred,
Judge Blank went straight to httie
barber-shop, and, throwing himself in
to chair, called for shave. There
was only one barber in the establish
ment, and he was a white man. He had
a villainous face, and his build showed
him to be man of great strength.
When he recognized his customer pc
culiar look came over his face. He
stepped to tie door and glanced up an
down the street. It was cold and sleety,
anegnot soul was to bs seen. Hs
closed the door and proceeded to attend
to work. He lathered the judges face
carefully, and ri.cn took up his razor.
sJedge," said he, II spose We dunno
met
mo" answered the Judge, curtly.
my name is JEFF Orton, an you've
go1 little case on yer docket agin me. "
He stood in front Of the judge and
fumbled with the glittering razor.
well, thatis matter Of court busi-
ness" said the judge, land will be dis
posed of in court at the proper time. =
"Jesso," asserted Orton, s.jesso; but,
jedge, I'm afeared yer don't understand
the sitooation. Don't be so blasted salty
about it. When the solicitor was willin'
ter mol. pros. the case, what call had
you ter interfere?"
Il can't discuss the case here" re-
marked the judge.
Eyer kaint! Oh, yes, yer kin, jedge, :"
and the ruffian took his customers chin
in one hand, while he flourished the
razor in the other.
"Now," he continued, Eyer see I'm a
peaceable, law-abidin' man. I make no
threats, as some men might do. This
case is regular life and death business
with me. I'd just as soon cut my throat
or cut any other burned mans, as ter be
tried in yer court. An yet, yer see,
jedge, I'm a maxim no threats. I'm
jest tellin' yer, friendly like, an open
and above board, how I stand. Before
I'll be jerked an go through that racket
about juror look upon the prisoner, and
prisoner look upon the juror, an all that
devilment, I'm liable to kill myself or
any other human in my way"
He looked at the Judge with tigerish
glare in his eyes, and tried the edge of
his razor with his thumb.
During this conversation Judge
Blanks face had turned all sorts of
colors, and finally dead white. He saw
that no one was likely to come into the
shop while the storm ragged. The idea
struck him that Orton was frenzied, and
might do something violent. His heart
beat tumultuously, and he felt alarmed
in earnest. With a feeling of contempt
for himself, he said, pleasantly:
"Well, you have good face, Orton,
and I have about made up my mind to
let the solicitor have his way and drop
the case.''
THAT would be an act of justice ter an
innercent man, said 'Orton.
mo doubt Of it," was the reply. .sIn
fact, after looking at you, and talking
with you, am convinced that you are
all right. Rest easy. Mr.. Orton, the
case shall be mol pros'd."
''Fust thing after dinnere"
'sThe very first thing"
''Shore an sartin, jedgep"
''Sure and certain
''Pon yer word Of honor as q scholar
an a gentleman an q jedgep"
ss(ly INV hrv,cs.sS