Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1891-10-02
WAS 1T A JUST VERDICT?

The jury did perfectly right to acqut
kim"
What nonsense is this you're giving me,
Bland? The only ground for defense was
;hat the accused was driven to the deed by
Eords-simpe words There was not a
blow struck or threatened Self defense
3oshl To presume that man may kill an
>ther merely because he is driven TO do SO
BY his adversarys tongue; and a mans
tongue at that"
The speakers, two newspaper reporters
had just left the criminal court where
they had been waiting for a verdict in a
celebrated murder case, and were walking
along crowded thoroughfare Bland
who defended the action of the jury, was a
puiet little fellow, who attracted every one
to him by his gentle disposition and unas
cunning manners, Notwithstanding that he
was known to have strange views on odd
subjects, usually at variance with those of
every one else The other, Harrgan, was
A recent college graduate of means, who
was learning journalism in a practical
way.
As the last words were spoken they
turned into chOphouse, mounted flight
Of stairs and opened the door of dingy
dining room 1t was place where half Il
iozen or more young men attached to
daily newspapers met in the evening TO
compare notes as to the days work and
exchanged information Most of them
aad arrived and were waiting for dinner
Small tables stood in corners, at which
several were engaged in writing up their
assignments. When the two newcomers
entered there was II simultaneous clamor.
Has there been verdictY'
"Acquitted''
by thunderY
You don't mean itp
You re chatting"
voley OF such EXPLANATIONS ratified on
the drums Of the ears of those who brought
The information like shot on a window
pane. Some of the men caught up their
mats and rushed to their Offices Those who
-emaned continued to discuss the verdict
n stentorian tones Yet it could hardly
De called discussion, for had they been
;he jury. they would have agreed to hang
he prisoner higher than Hannah.
Bland seated himself without word at
2ne OF the desks and began sharpening a
pencil
"Do you know" said Harrigan, pointing
coward him, that little duffer over there
declares that the verdict is a proper oney'
oh, Bland would never do for Juror
He wouldn't have the heart to behead II
chicken"
The speaker was red headed dramatic
critic, with his hands in his pockets He
WAS called Mac by his cronies from the
first part of his name. which was MacNicar
all together
II mean what | say in this case" replied
Bland, looking up shyly over his shoulder
At the party the man was provoked be
yOpd human endurance"
There was babel of voices at this asser
ton, each man turning prosecuting attor
ney and shouting his arguments. Harri-
gan, having bisso profundo vocal organs,
made himself heard above the tempest like
captains trumpet in a hurricane.
DO you mean to say that if should kill
you while you were talking to me in an
aggravating way would be justfedS"
IL think could provoke you to do So"
"Pil bet you dinner for the crowd, not
the corned beef and cabbage we're to have
today, but the best the house can afford,
with quart OF champagne for each, that
You can't
There was burst Of laughter at the alb
surdity Of man betting another that he
could not he provoked to murder him.
OF course cant, now that you're fore
warned"
Take any one ycu like"
Bland went on sharpening his pencil,
without taking any further notice Of Har
rigan's offer
Try him, Bland" spoke up the red
headed dramatic man called Mac. "Ill
take share in the bet"
And |, and |, cried others
1t was agreed that if Bland would make
the effort TO induce some one to kill him.
and should not succeed his friend would
pay the stake All We're bent upon the ex
pertinent, and gave Bland no peace till he
reluctantly consented
WHO will you select for your muir
derery" quered Ilarrigan.
will Percy Strong be here today"
ale promised to meet me at g." said
MacNickar looking at his watch. Hell
be here in ten minutes"
"Ili try it on Strong" said Bland in hi:
characteristic soft tones. II know his dis
position WELL
Good I'll win that bet. What viii
you be murdered with-a carving knife o.
club9"
Thanks, with neither Give me
pistol"
Several weapons were displayed from
the pockets of members of the party
Bland looked them over and selected on,
with a single barrel-a Derrlnger-anC
noting it carefully gave it to MacVicar
Meet Percy at the door," he said, "hanC
him this pistol and tell him TO keep it til
you ask for it, Any excuse will do, yol
are an accomplished liar"
All laughed at the pleasantly. including
the subject Of it.
Come here a moment" continued
Bland to the man he was instructing
want to say something to you"
MacVicar drew near and Bland spoke
few words to him in low tones.
Remember" he called out, as Mac wa
about TO close the door behind him, "yo
can't be too careful in such a case"
Now, fellows" he continued to the otf
ers, latter we are all seated at dinner
want you, one by one, to make some el
cuse to go out and leave me alone wit
Percy. If ! don't make him fire at N
within half an hour lose the bet."
Agreed" from all.
When Strong came in dinner had bee
served, and all were seated at the tab
He was somewhat surprised at the uuusut
interest his coming excited, for ever
mans attention was involuntarly hxe
nnOn him The dinner hOwaver nasSa