The record-union., 1891-04-26
THE MAGISTRATES MULE.
1t Would Neither Eat Nor Run AVA
from Its Master.

Winn-a rough frontiersman of the ge-
nus cowboys the perpetrator of n joke
upon a certain erudite Justice of the
Peace, and the tale will bear repeating.
His home is in the quiet town of Rich
field. and when he visits the settlement
he celebrates by painting the town fam
ing cardinal. On one of these occasions
he took hand ut some simple game
played with five cards, of which the first
is buried. | think they call it 'stud.'
Something about the game was forbidden
in the city ordinance 'for the suppression
OF gambling and under the kind super
vision Of the Marshal, Winn, with five
companions, found himself before the bar
of justice. Denials and defense were use
less. Justice Orrick solemnly perused
the statutes and fined each offender Sl2 so.
Winn found he had but $40, and this he
offered TO the magistrate, but no compro-
mise could be effected with the city treas
ury. 1t was S12 so or twelve and a half
days in durance vile. Finally happy
thought struck the young man.
Say, Judge, pll give you q bill of sale
of my mule, and if l don't bring you the
money within five days I'll bring the
critter and it's yourn.''
Now an average mule was worth $40,
and the Justice thought he had q good
bargain, so did Winn, although he never
cracked a smile until the bill was drawn
up, signed and delivered; then something
in his countenance warned the grave Or
rick of impending trouble.
''Winn, how old is that ar mewl?"
"Old enough to vote, Judge, old enough
to VOTE" and the door was closed from the
outside.
Now Richfield justice cannot be lightly
treated. Straightway the Justice hied
him to the constable, and together they
visited Winn's home.
well, Winn, I have warrant for
you"
'sWhat fer?,
that fine"
Amt settled that fine? You try and
make me settle it agin, and it'll cost you
three or four mules"
''How's that?'
well. give the Jedge bill of sale OF
my mule and he let me go.'
us that So Brother Orrick?"
The Judge, with much hesitation, con-
fessed that such was the case.
We'll, then, you can't do nothing more
with Winn."
But, Winn, you'll let me see the
mewl?"
Cert. Come along"
Out to the old corral they went, and
there upon the ground lay the ungainly
hybrid, patriarch of all the mules in
Utah. Winn kicked it and it slowly rose
and tottered to it's feet.
Look out, gentlemen, it may fall on
you and l can't be responsible for acci-
dents"
Now, Winn," whined the baffied Or
rick, 81 meant to do the right thing by
you, but / guess l stretched the law q
leetle. The law won't let me take any
thing that'll eat or run away"
You're all right, Judge. You're all
right. That mule can't do neither one"
Five days later there was a procession
through the main street of Richfield.
Winn drove cart and behind was tied
Brother Orrick's mule. Two of his boon
companions marched on either side to
steady its feeble steps, and the fifth
brought up the rear and gave the beast q
push whenever it seemed that it must
surely fall. The next morning there was
a funeral in Justice Orrick's corral, and
the worthy magistrate, having just de-
posted S12 80 of his own hard-earned
cash in the city treasury, was the sole
mourner.-F'oreSt and Stream.