The San Francisco call., 1897-10-24

to saiI. Martin, the District Attorney
and |, standing in the shadow OF an aisle
in the boxes of merchandise which
crowded the deck, watched all who went
aboard. We had stood thus waiting Tor
hours, when. 1 saw something which
made me start and give a signal
fee Bile old woman, supported by two stall
wart young men, advanced toward the
gangplank, and as she did so she glanced
swiftly around with an anxious look that
disclosed a glorious pair OF hazel eyes.
She had neglected the precaution of Cog
giles.
Upon receiving my signal Martin
stepped forward and politely requested
the three to step into the alley, in which
| stood behind the District Attorney. The
men were evidently stricken with dismay
but one OF them whispered hurrieGly TO
the woman, who discovered only high
bred Indignation, ana with some remark
referring to the insolence of Americans
she attempted to drag the two men with
her up the gangplank. Martin. throwing
back the lapel of his coat, uncovered his
badge and quietly remarked:
''lf you desire to make scene you may
do so, in which event l will handcuff you
all and ring up the prison van. If you
desire this thing to pass off quietly you
will step into this alley. Take your
CHOICE
The men we're evidently wholly un-
nerved. Not so the woman. Her eyes
flashed angrilv and a certain fierce cour-
age animated her speech.
My sons and are going on this ship"
she cried. 'snd 1 will suffer no insolent
interference"
AT this juncture she happened to look
more closely into the corner in which I
stood, and then an expression, ombining
amusement. annoyance, and perhaps
something else. lighted up her face. To
my amszement she came straight up to
me and said in SO low a tone that no one
else could hear:
WAS the explanation in my letter to
you so unsatisfactory that you must needs
crafty your small revenge on a woman
by turning her over to her enemies to be
ruined?
With that she turned scornfulIy on her
heel and thus addressed my companions:
This gentleman, who, OF course, is the
cause OF our detention. will inform you
that you have made mistake, and that
We should not be made to lose this ship"
1t was bold play, but l had hardened
my heart against her. and was not again
to be fooled by this adroit appeal both to
my shame and my generosity.
''The officer knows his duty" I re.
m arked. Then, turning TO Martin,
added, These are the persons whom we
want
Very WE'LL" said Martin. "You are
all under arrest on a serious charge and !
will accompany US to the Appraisers |
building will cancel your passage"
The two male prisoners made a picture
of wretched detection, bur the old woman
wore simply hard and angry look as We
all drove in carriages to the Appra isers |
building, she, at my suggestion, being
kept apart from the men and given no op- |
por tunity to confer with them.
After the men had been put under guard
in the building, Martin, the District At
rorney and / went into the lawyers pri-
vate office. The infrm- looking old lady |
sat for awhile very stern and rigid, and |
then with charming insolence she sprang
nimbly to her feet and demanded:
We'll. what is all this about2 Am to
be shot or hanged? Or is 1t merely that I |
am 10 be robbed ?"
Neither" answered the District Attor-
ney. smiling. You have an uncommenly |
pleasant voice fer your years. however,
and it would be very agreea bic to US to |
hear you exercise it If you desire to say |
anything"
The idea of your trying TO ha:ter an |
old wOman!' she exclaimed, with a girl !
ish mock Indignation. Ugh My face |
feels as sticky and glued up as it did that |
night l shot myself. Is there a Law |
atory convenient? / can't talk with |
mask on my face J"
She emerged from the dressing-room
radiant and blooming girl. her wig gone
and her glorious brown hair struggling |