Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-10-16
WAS 1T A JUST VERDICT?
ats an outrage on Justice"

that the accused was driven TO the oeeu py
words-simple wordsl There was not
blow struck or threatened. Self defense
boshl To presume that man may Kill an
other merely because he is driven to do so
by his adversary's tongue; and q mans
tongue at thatW
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 a crowded thoroughfsre. Bland,
who defended the action of the jury, was
quiet little fellow, who attracted every one
to him by his gentle disposition and unas-
summing manners, Notwithstanding that he
was known to have strange views on odd
subjects, usually at variance with those of
every one else. The other, Harrigan, was
recent college graduate of means, who
was learning journalism in a practical
way.
As the last words were spoken they
turned into a chophouse, mounted flight
of stairs and opened the door Of dingy
dining room 1t was place where half
dozen or more young men attached to
daily newspapers met in the evening to
com pare notes as to the days work and
exchanged information. Most of them
had 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 simultaneous clamor.
HAS there been verdict"
"Acquittedp'
"By thunderI"
you don't mean itr'
YOU'RE chatting"
A volley of such EXPLANATIONS ratified on
the drums of the ears of those who brought
the information like shot on window
pane. Some of the men caught up their
hats and rushed to their Offices. Those who
remained continued to discuss the verdict
In stentorian tones Yet it could hardly
be called discussion, for, had they been
the jury, they would have agreed to hang
the prisoner higher than Haman.
Bland seated himself without word at
one of the desks and began sharpening a
pencil.
do you know" said Harrigan, pointing
toward him, that little duffer over there
declares that the verdict is proper one?"
"Oh, Bland would never do for juror.
He wouldn't have the heart to behead
chicken"
The speaker was a 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 MacVicar
all together.
81 mean what say in this case" replied
Bland, looking up shyly over his shoulder
at the party. 1.-The man was provoked be-
yond human endurance"
There was babel of voices at this asser-
ton, each man turning prosecuting attor-
ney and shouting his arguments. Harri-
gan, having basso profundo vocal organs,
made himself heard above the tempest like
captains trumpet in hurricane.
do you mean to say that If should kill
you while you were talking to me in an
Rggravating way would be justifedf"
81 think ! could provoke you to do So"
'Ill 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 be provoked to murder him.
"Of course l can't, now that you're fore
warned"
Take any one you like"
Bland went on sharpening his pencil,
without taking any further notice of Har-
rigans offer.
Try him, Bland" spoke up the red
headed dramatic man called Mac, "rll
take share in the bet"
"And l, and l., 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 were bent upon the ex-
pertinent, and gave Bland no peace I'LL he
reluctantly consented.
who will you select for your muir,
dererW queried Harrigan.
l., l. 4
HE promised to meet me at g." said
MacNickar looking at his watch. He'll
he mere in ten minutes"
'Ill try it on Strong" said Bland in his
characteristic soft tones. u know his dis
position we'll"
Good. III win that bet. What will
you be murdered with-a carving knife or
a clubf"
Thanks; with neither. Give me Q
pistol"
Several weapons were displayed from
the pockets of members of the party.
Bland looked them over and selected one
with single barrel-a Derringer-and
noting 1t carefully gave it to MacVicar
Meet Percy at the door," he said, "hand
him this pistol and tell him to keep it till
you ask for it. Amy excuse will do; you
are an accomplished liar"
All IduBntu ut Iue pLedhhntry, lncIudlne
the subject of it.
Come here moment" continued
Bland to the man he was instructing 81
want 10 say something to you"
MacNiCar drew near and Bland spoke
few words to him in low tones.
Remember" he called out, ms Mac wa
about to close the door behind him, "yol
can't be TOO careful in such a case"
Now, fellows" he continued TO the 9th
ers after We are all seated at dinner
want you, one by one, TO make some ex
cuse TO 10 out and leave me alone will
Percy II | don't make him fire at IN
within half an hour lose the bet"
Agreed" from all.
When Strong came in dinner had beef
served, and all We're seated at the table
He was somewhat surprised at the unusus
interest his coming excited for ever.
mans attention was Involuntary hxec
upon him. The dinner, however, passc,
off quietly. No one seemed inclined to ca
except Strong, who was the only one pres
ent unaware of the fact that there was al
excellent dinner y be provided later on
thoil oh IL Rland shonla min IN ba raioh