The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1900-01-06


see gentleman gold headed as to his cane,
and evidently rich and Influential to Judge
from his servants and luggage, alight from
the coach with all the appearance Of one
who was going to stay at least week in
the place. He was distinctly American,
with twinkling gray eye, long aquiline
nose, clean shaven upper lip and small
goatee which he smoothed meditatively as
he stood like long legged Colossus OF
Rhodes, in trousering of very broad check
pattern, surveying the pride Of the pro-
prietors heart-namely: The Hotel.
Il guess it's not unlike my stables in
Connecticut" he said presently, as the
proprietor came down 10 meet him.
"You must have fine stables them" was
the reply offered gently in the hope of turn
ing away not the great man himself, but
only his wrath.
"We have, sir; our stables are consider
able. And | ray it in praise Of your
shanty that it reminds me of my stables in
Connecticut. suppose you can give us a
loose box for week maybe?"
The landlord recognized the free and
and easy American with plenty OF money
to give offense because he was master of
the situation by reason Of the almighty
dollar; he recognized the 'colonel" and
the general" the man who travels as he
lists the wide world over, and gets ready
respect and Difference from everybody.
"Certainly," he replied, "for week or
ss much longer las you please"
"Well, l guess | only want to stay
week. You see | arranged TO wait here
for Vscount Thurlton, who is going to
join me next Thursday, and then we're
going along to the new diggings just to
reckon things up q bit to see whether the
place is worth working on a large scale a.
we do in America. But say, boss, this
place is real dull after Brisbane; isn't
there any theatre or any place OF amuse-
right here"
The landlord, already under the dis
tinguished Vscount Thurlton, became
oily, almost greasy, in his manner. He
explained that there was no troupe at the
theatre at present, and that the only ex-
element was the trial Of q man who was
supposed to be concerned in daring coach
robbery committed some little time before
in the neighborhood.
"Ah that would be interesting" said
the stranger 81 should like to see that.
Stuck up the coach, did hep"
swell, they say he did, but he himself
sweaTs he is innocent and that he was in
Brisbane at the time the coach was stopped.
II you would care to hear the trial, sir, /
can get you seat easily"
II guess I'll take you up, returned the
stranger, and it was agreed that the pro.
prietor should escort the great man to the
court house on the morrow, and by his in
fuence secure him good seat, just to
enable him to while away the time until
Viscount Thullton came along.
1t so happened, however, that when they
arrived the body of the court was full, so
that the distinguished looking American
was accommodated with a seat on the
bench, where he not only had good view
OF the proceedings, but was seen and
known by every one as the friend of Viz
count Thurlton, and wealthy American
who was going to buy up the new digging
township to "work it" as an ordinary man
might work potato patch.
The prisoner was standing in the dock
with his eyes cast down listening in des-
pair to the conclusive evidence against
him. Presently he raised his eyes at some
direct question from the Judge. and was
about to speak when his eyes fell upon the
stranger sitting on tue bench He paused
and staggered, he Clipped at the air and
fell senseess in the dock.
When at last he vas brought round he
stood up aud, pointing to the stranger,
gasped for breath and tried to speak.
What is it my uan?" said the Judge
Steady yourself ask again. have you
any thing to say in your own defence ?"
con, your HONOR said the prisoner at
last. 81 am saved-saved at the last
moment. have already said that | was
in Brsbrane at the time of the robbery,
and there is the man who can prove it.
All eyes followed the direction of his
finger and rested upon the stranger, who
started, looked confused, then irritated,
and finally bewildered, as il he fanced the
prisoner must be mad.
''lf that gentleman will answer my
question:" resumed the prisoner, 81 think
shall be able to prove to every one that
was in Brisbane at the time | said"
The stranger shifted in his seat nervously,
and at last said in tones Of annoyance and
approximations:
"Your Honor, Pve never to my knowl-
edge set eyes on the prisoner before, and