The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-04-16

great force. "Blest, II you dldn .
play that little game wcll. Great
guns! I might have leaked buckets.
full Of salt water and it wouldn't ha'
made no difference; but you just
squirted few drops Of brine out OF
them eyes Of yourn, and you clean
melted them soft fellows up there.
Hooray"
Howard Peyton jumped to his feet
and cut him short. ''Your Honor,
I object to the verdict. I consider
that the jury has been unduly Unfit
enced, and that the case, as they re-
ceived it, was clearly in favor Of the
plaintiff.
The Judge frowned down upon the
young lawyer.
"Mr. Peyton, you are out Of order;
but this peculiar case calls for pccu-
liar treatment. State your objections. :"
Howard Peyton glanced sidewise at
Doris, but that young lady, now quite
recovered, kept those dangerous eyes
of hers glued to the floor.
81 think" said Peyton, slowly,
"that the resort to tears was unfair
on the part of the defendants lawyer.
They are weapon Of which I have no
knowledge, and I am bold enough to
say, that it was bribery and corrup-
ton to those twelve good men and
true"
"Gently, gently, Mr.. Peyton, you
are excited, we will argue this, if you
please. Miss Woodford, be so good
as to answer a few direct questions.
Doris rose obediently.
"Did you, with willful intent, seek
to influence the jury by that startling
burst Of tears?"
"No; oh, no."
"Did you come into this court re-
solved at all odds to play this trump
card, which, according to your OPP
ponent's expressed opinion, has clear
ly won this case?'
Indeed not, said Doris indignant
ly.
"I'll be hanged if she did" ex-
claimed Farmer Watt. 'Ain't.I been
watchin' her all mornin', and tryin' to
boost her up? Didn't see her get
tin white, nm up an SEE to her,"
"Order there!' cried the clerk.
"Order be bowed! I amt goin' to
pay my money on t'other side if I can
keep it on this bank, you bet I amt"
"Order, or leave the courtroom!"
cried the clerk again.
SIN view, then, Mr.. Peyton," con-
tinued the Judge, "of this unpremedi-
tated move on the part Of your oppo-
nent, I fear the decision Of the jury
will have to rest. Tears are not sche-
duled under the head Of bribery and
corruption. Any play upon the emo
tions is authorized in the setting down
Of a legal point. It is o well-known
fact that lawyers seek to influence the
feelings Of their hearers. Laughter
and tears often find their way into q
courtroom, and no matter through
what medium, they ore entitled to fair
consideration. Aud put it to your
candor, Mr.. Peyton, had you been in
the jury box, could such an appeal
have left you quite unmoved?"
At this there was an unmistakable
sound Of suppressed laughter. But
Doris still kept her eyes on the floor,
and Howard Peyton colored to the
roots Of his hair.
II withdraw my objections" no
said, with q low bow, and the case
was ended amidst a ripple Of merri-
ment. Widow Barnes alone held
back, like the woman in the Bible,
''She lifted up her voice and wept."
Doris was escorted home in state by
Farmer Watt. As they parted at her
door lie put his hand in his pocket
and fshed out the promised fee.
''You done me proud, Miss Doris, "
he said, in his heartiest way. II
never had no doubt Of you. I own to
bein' skeered at the end, mind, but
that was from not KNOWN that tears
was legal pint. Oh, the way the
Judge set down on that there Peyton
Teller was great soy, great" and
Farmer Watt tramped of, we'll pleased
with himself and tho world.
But the famous "Senner" in some
miraculous fashion found its way, in
spite Of everything, to Widow Barnes,
and although Dame Rumor is dis
creetly silent, it would not surprise
that small world very greatly if one
Of these fine days the imposing
"shingle" disappeared from the little
Office, and ''Doris Woodford, At.
torney-at-Law," accepted a partner.
shin Short Storias