The Madisonian. (Virginia City, Mont.) 1873-1915, 1895-09-21

Unfortunately l am poor. My pay as an
officer is all that I have to live on"
"You hear, complainant, that the de-
PENDANT is not able to pay the sum you
demand OF him. Do you still wish the
complaint to stand?'
Il wish il TO stand. The law shall
give me my rights"
There ran through the rows of people
a murmur Of indignation that sounded
like a rushing Of water.
CONSIDER, complainant, the conse-
quence of your demand. The defendant
can be punished only through being de-
prlved of his personal liberty, and by
that o a obtain no satisfaction,
While to the ~deienuaut 1t might prove
the greatest injury i'll his rank and posi-
ton as al officer who is poor and de-
pendent upon his pay. Do you still in
sist upon your complaint?'
Il still insist upon it,"
The course the affair was taking
seemed to have become painful to the
lady's husband. He spoke with his wife
urgently, but without effect. The judge
was going on to further consideration
of the case, when a loud voice was
heard from the audience:
II will place the 200 rubles at the
service Of the defendant
During the silence which followed a
gentleman forced his way through the
crowd and placed himself at the young
officers side.
"Sir, I am the Prince W and beg
vNT, will ocoapf fIn Loo, 80 ALo 0Nn 49,,
bles in question"
"Prince, I am not worthy of your
kindness, for ( don't know if l shall ever
be able to pay the loan," answered the
officer in q voice tremulous with emo
ton.
Take the money at all events. I can
wait until you are able TO return it,"
Thereupon the prince held out two notes
of 100 rubles each, and coming close to
him whispered a few words very softly.
There was a sudden lighting up in the
officers face. He Immediately took the
two notes, and turning to the lady hand
ed them to her with a polite bow.
II hope, madame, you are satisfied"
With a malicious smile she reached
out her hand for the money.
eyes. Now I am satisfied"
With a scornful glance over the crowd
of spectators she prepared to leave the
room On her husbands arm.
"Stop, madame, said the officer, who
had suddenly become like another man.
"What do you want?" said the lady,
casting a look upon him as insulting az
possible.
II want my Dress" he answered,
with a slight but still perfectly polite
bow.
"Give me your address and 1 will
send it to you"
"Oh, no, my dear madame, I am in
the habit of taking my purchases with
me at once. Favor me with the dress
Immediately"
A shout Of appreciation came from the
gallery
"Order!' cried the judge,
"What an insane demandr p said the
lady's husband. my wife cannot I'M
dress herself here
81 have nothing to do with you in
this matter, sir, but only with the COM
p~lainant. Be ST good as to give me the
dress Immediately, madame. My affairs
are urgent
The pleasure of the audience at the
expense of tho lady increased with every
word.
"Do no, jest any more about it. I
Don as possible"
81 am not jesting. l demand from
the representative of the law my own
property, the DRESS" said the officer,
raising his voice.
The judge, thus appealed to, decided
promptly.
"The officer is right, madame. You
are obliged to hand him over the dress
Oh the spot"
Il can't undress myself here before
all these people and go home without
any dress on" said the young woman,
with anger and tears.
"1ou should have thought Of that
sooner. Now you have 10 time to lose.
Either give up the dress of your own
accord, Or
A nod that could not be misinter-
preted brought to the lady's side two Off
GERS of justice who seemed about to take
upon themselves the office of my lady's
maid.
Take your money back and leave
me my dress!'
"Oh, no., madame! That dress is now
worth more than 200 rubles to me-"
How much do you ask for it?'
"Two thousand rubles," said the
officer firmly.
81 will pay the sum-" the weeping