Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1891-04-04
CHAPTER XXI.

Accordingly Augusta was sworn, and
Eustace observed that when she removed
her veil to kiss the book the sight of her
sweet face produced no small effect upon
the crowded court.
Then James began his examination in
chief, and, following the lines which he
had laid down in his opening speech led
her slowly, while allowing her to tell her
own story as much as possible, to the time
of the tattooing of the will on Kerguelen
Land. All along the history had evil
IDENTIFY interested everybody in the court
not excepting the judge-intensely;
but now the excitement rose to boiling
point.
well, said James, tell his lordship
exactly how it came to pass that the will
Of Mr., Meeson was tattooed upon your
shoulders.
In quiet, but dramatic language,
Augusta accordingly narrated every de
tail, from the time when Meeson confided
to her his remorse at having disinhcrited
his nephew up to the execution of the
will, at her suggestion, by the sailor
upon her own shoulders.
And now, Miss Smithers, " said James.
when she had done, Il am very sorry to
do so, but must ask you to exhibit the
document to the court"
Poor Augusta colored up, and her eyes
filed with tears, as she slowly undid the
dust cloak which hid her shoulders flor,
of course, she had come in low dress.
The judge, looking up sharply, observed
her natural distress.
'If you prefer it, Miss Smithers," said
his lordship, courteously, Il will order
the court to be cleared of every one ex-
cept those who are actually engaged in
the case"
At these ominous words a shudder Of
disgust passed through the denselv
tpacked ranks. 1t would, indeed tha1
felt, after all their striving be hard if
they were deprived of the sight Of
Augustus shoulders; and they stared at
her despairingly to see what she would
answer.
Il thank your lordship," she said, with
little bow: but there would still be SO
many IeTt that l do not think that it
would greatly matter. hope that every
body will understand my position, and
extend their consideration to me-
very well, ," said the judge, and with
out further ado she took off the cloak
and the silk handkerchief beneath it, and
stood before the court dressed in low
black dress.
q am afraid that I must ask you to
come up here" said his lordship Ac.
cordingly she walked round, mounted the
bench, and turned her back to the Judge,
in order that he might examine what was
written on it. This he did very carefully,
with the aid of a magnifying glass, re
ferring now and again to the Photographic
copy which Dr. Probate had fled in the
registry.
THANK you" he said. presently; that
will do. | am afraid that the learned
counsel below will wish to have an oppor
tunity of inspection"
So Augusta had to descend, and slowly
walk along the ranks, stopping before
every learned leader to be carefully ex
amined, while hundreds of eager eyes in
the background were fixed upon her I'M
fortunate shoulders. However, at last it
came to an end.
That will do, Miss Smithers, " said tho
Judge, for whose consideration she felt
deeply grateful; you can put on your
cloak again now" Accordingly she
clothed herself, and re-entered the box
1.-The document which you have Just
shown the court, Miss Smithers," said
James, sis the one which was executed
upon your back i'll Kerguelen Land on or
about the 22d day Of December last
year,"
1T is"
at was, l understand, executed in the
presence of the testator and the two It
testing witnesses, all three being present
together. and the signature Of each being
/ tattooed in the presence of the other?'
ut was.
"Was the tcstator. so far as you corld
| Judge a: the time Of the dictation and
execution of the viii, of sound mind,
memory and understandings"
Most certainly he was.
did you. beyond the suggestions Of
which you have already given evidence. i'll
any way unduly influence the testator's
mind. so as to induce him to make this
will?'
II did not
"And to those facts you swear?"
lido"
Then he passed on to the history of tie
death of the two sailors who had attested
the will, and to the account of Augusta 5
| Ultimate rescue. finally closiDr his exam,