The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-11-27

southern districts Of Georgia Judge
Erskine took great pleasure in reAt-
ing one story which dealt with isci-
dents in his early life Ind in his later
years. When he was about 1s years
old he ran away from his home IN
ing vessel. but a. IN captain could not
make . sailor OF him. he had 10 DO the
cooking. and was known to everybody
on the ship a. Johnny the cook
At the end Of q year the youngster
abandoned the sea and returned home.
After completing his education he came
to this country and settled in Georgia.
where he was remarkably successful
and prosperous He had held his judge
ship q year or two when he vent to
Savannah to preside over the federal
court. One afternoon he strolled down
to the river to look NJ IN vessels In
port. The captain Of one Of the ships
came ashore and passed the Judge.
giving him a sharp glance. Evidently
something puxsled the captain. for he
retraced his steps and stared hard at
h man. who was enjoying the scene
on the river. -.s .
Damned II IT. isn't Johnny the
Cook!" exclaimed-fhe bluff sailor.
Erskine looked at him. n recognis-
ed his old captain. The two shook
hands heartily, and the captain told
the other how he had Identified him BY
a scar on his face. s
IT haven't forgotten the night in
which you were 20 badly cut" said the
self q man that day. and the whole
ship sided with you"
A brief talk about, old times followed,
and then the captain glanced at his
former cooks Clothes"
You must have ~prospered In this
country" he remarked. what 10
your line of business?"
There Ii a long story connected with
that" replied the Judge, and as I have
postpone 1t until / see you again. Meet
me IN the United States court oom to-
morrow morning ut 10 o'clock. Until
then. good-by.",
The captain promised to be on hand.
The next morning at 10 o'clock Judge
Erskine was on the bench. In his black
robe. dealing out Justice to q crowd OF
sea captain, walked into the court room.
He glanced around in a dazed way,
and was evidently disappointed In not
finding the man he sought. Finally he
raised his eyes to the bench. For a
moment he seemed dazed. He doubted
his own eyes,, Erskfne saw him. and
beckoned to him to come inside the
ralllng winch 1enceu OH the dWvef
from the spectators.
With trembling steps the captain
took his stand one step below the plat
form on which the judge sat. Erskine
welcomed him cordially. and during
some unimportant routine business told
h astonished sailor abou his career
In America and his elevation to the
bench.
The story was told in a low tone and
not a word of II was heard by anybody
except the captain. The latter was so
thoroughly astonished by what he saw
and heard that he was anxious to get
away. and he seemed to be gratifed
when the judge dismissed hin with an
invitation to dine with him at ms
hotel. When the mariner reached the
bottom step he faced about and gave
the judge a sweeping glance.
We'll. I'll he damned," he e~jaculat-
ed. in a distinctly audible voice. He
left the courtroom shaking his head
and looking bach every other step.
Even when he was outside Of the build
ing he was in the same state Of be-
wilderment. The incident afforded
Judge Erskine intense enjoyment, and
he frequently referred to IL.