The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-11-27

the judge gave his charge to the jury,
and he pointed out to them that the
evidence was quite clear. but that
they must take everything into con-
sfderatiOn- The jury was out about
two minutes and returned a verdict of
not guilty What do you think Joe
Gill did? Why, he just sat there and
laughed at me. I did not know why 1
had lost the case, but 1 let the matter
drop for a while. About six months
after that 1 was talking to the foreman
8 Why didn't you convict these men,
Bill?' 1 asked.
well, I'll tell you said Bill, if
those two men were convicted of steal
ing ties we would have to find every
man in Thomas county guilty of the
same offense. It would have been a
bad example to set, as everyone burns
railroad ties for firewood.'
THAT was a long time ago" said
WilcoxsOn, as the whistle blew for
EmpOria, and he got up and reached
for his overcOat. I have found out
some wonderful things about law in
the prairie country since then"
The game of duplicate whist in To-
peka has become very popular and its
deVotees are many. There are many
whist clubs which meet once a week,
and the entire evening is spent in the
thoughtful game" 1t is hard work.
but there is a fascination about it
which holds the players. In one of the
known business men are associated,
there occurred recently an amusing in
cident.
Judge L. S Ferry had had to play
Attorney A. W. Dana on a former oc-
caSiOn, and he realized that the latter
was something of an adept at the game
For the next meeting of the club
the Judge thought long and hard for
some way in which to show his super
ior skill He knew well that if any
scheme of strategy were resOrted TO,
it would have to be a good one, for
Mr.. Dana is noted for his acuteness in
discerning a side play Judge Ferry
knit his brows in thought as he sat in
his office. Finally he struck upon
plan for the victory He followed the
scheme to its probable end and was
enthusiastic over the idea.
John Waters happened in the office
about that time. He saw the glow on
Judge Ferry's face. The latter motion
ed him to a seat and carefully closed
the door to his private office. Then in
a subdued tone he said to John Wa
tiers:
man Dana tonight at whist. I've got
a beautiful scheme for it. He'll not
glOat over me any more"
Mr.. Waters turned an interested ear
to the judges scheme. Then Judge
Ferry continued:
You know, John, that when you get
Dana started to talking about his ba-
by, he can't stop Now, here's my
SCnemes 1OnlSlL Dana ana MS WE
are to play whist with Miss Whiting
and myself. Now, just as we begin to
play. 1 am going to ask Dana about
his baby. Then he and his wife viii
both enthuse over the subject and tell
all about the youngsters cutenesS, and
their attention Will be drawn from the
cards. You know, that won't do in
whist. Then Miss Whiting and myself
will simply floor them on the game.
What do you think of the scheme,
John2''
IT'S a capital one" said John Wa
tiers. The interview ended and the two
parted.
That evening Judge Ferry went to
the whist party full of glee When the
guests We're seated and the playing
was begun, Judge Ferry and John Wa
ters exchanged glances. Judge Ferry
and A. w. Dana each had their
hands," when the former said limo
Gently:
Dana. how is that baby getting
along?''
Mr.. Dana studied his cards an in
slant and then remarked without look
ing up:
''He is saving wood, just like his
daddy"
Then he kept right on with the play.
Judge Ferry was puzzled John Wa
tiers was convulsed. Mr. and Mrs. Da-
ma did not talk at all, but Miss Whit
ing, who is a sister of Mrs. Dana, and
is especially fond of the Dana baby,
began to tell of the little ones cute
sayings In a very short time Mr.. and
Mrs Dana had beaten Judge Ferry and
Miss Whiting. 1t was a sweeping VIC
tory for the judge was too much sur
prised and Miss Whiting had talked of
the baby too much to pay close
enough attention to the game. The
Joke was on Judge Ferry, for John
Waters had told A. w. Dana of the
scheme before the party.
A very active old gentleman who
lives in the southwestern part of the
city is noted in his neighbOrhoOd for
his industry in keeping his yard IN hne
condition. He works hard all day IN
the city, but when he returns from
work he is always active in helping
with the work at home. He is espec-
tally good to his wife and he helps her
much in her household labOrs. She
appreciates his help too, for the work
is done so willingly.
Not long ago the old gentleman was
helping at his house. He was doing
more than two hired people would do.
A neighbOr happened by and saw him
busting about the kitchen The
neighbor remarked that he was a model
husband. To this the man replied
wei, I want to be just as kind to my
wife as 1 can When get to heaven
I am going to hunt up my first wife
and beg her pardon for not helping her
more"
You half-starved, hungry looking
newspaper men must not get too close
to me today" said Governor Leedy this
morning. I am a plutocrat today
am still enjoying the pleasure 1 had
Thanksgiving day reducing large and
well-fed goose to running gears.
Talk about eatin' " continued the
governor. "A goose is the best thing
on earth. 1t beats turkeys, canvas
back, terrapin, soft shell crabs or any
other of the notable delicacies about
which we hear so much"
How about a Pop, governor? Is he