Evening star., 1902-02-15

my client" explained the lawyer. 1T
leaves everything to her
We'll, the will must be filed just the
same said the judge irritably. When the
clerk of the court notifies me that it is in
his possession | will set a date for the
hearing"
In his possession" moaned Mrs Dalton
''Has-has he got to keep it,"
Certainly said the judge in surprise
And he's such a homely man. too" she
walled. I'D be very unhappy"
IF your honor please" said the lawyer
to the puzzled and astonished judge. "the
circumstances are such that my client can
not very well part with the document"
Cant part with it," exclaimed the Judge
feeling that serious affront had been put
on the court. II guess she'll part with II
quick enough if this court SO DEGREES. I'll
sec to that"
No. no. Oh, no. cried Mrs. Dalton
hastily backing toward the door
The judge was now thoroughly aroused
Officer. stop that woman" he ordered
There's some mystery or some trickery
here. and l intend to have the matter
cleared up. Now, madam he went on as
she approached under escort of the police
man. Il want to know if you have that will
with you"
IT'S very much with her." said the law
Yer quickly, but
I'm look into this matter sir without
any further help from YOU said the Judge
sharply. Then turning to Mrs Dalton he
again demanded to know if she had The
will.
Yes, sir" she answered family.
Let me see it
She looked at him pleadingly but he was
stern and unyieding.
Il can tell YOU every word of it, she
urged.
Won't do" he said
"And-and the witness and the notary
can tell you just what it says. It's very
short"
Madam" he announced harshly, 'there
must be no more trifling with the dignity
OF this court The mystery must be
barred"
Barred" she repeated with shudder
Barred
SHOW me the will" he ordered.
Her attorney tried to speak, but was
again silenced. She hesitated, but finally
her womanly Indignation came to her re-
lief.
Il WON'T" she cried defiantly.
Committed for contempt of court" said
keep her until she is prepared to permit
that will to be delivered into my hands,
I'd rather be filed with the clerk Of the
court she pleaded. and then. as the Of
sir. How can be sure that some Of it NAV
not yet rub off,
The judge looked at her blankly. and
then beckoned to the lawyer.
why didn't YOU tell ME she was crazy -,
ne whispered when the latter had reached
his side
The lawyer leaned over and rep1ied in
very confidential tone.
Nor said the judge when the LAWYER
had finished
Fact" said the lawyer
The judge scratched his head thought
fully. and then laughed.
What are you going to do about it?" he
asked. -'o
Il don't know" answered the Iawyar
we can't very we'll file the will''
NO. admitted the judge, that wouldn't
90 AT all The clerk Is q married man. How
many common-law heirs are there?"
only two besides the widow, and they're
both present In court"
Don't you suppose you could comnron,is.
the natter? inquired the judge '"ro tell
the truth. I'd prefer to have no contest
blush very easily"
Acting on this suggestion, the 1awver
mad whispered consultation with tho fwa
o.heI neirs; and then Mrs Dalton was
asked to join them. The conversation tho =
ensued was very animated. but oniv on 20
| casiohal sentence could be heard by ot hers
| IN the court room. Once Mrs. Dalton mo .
neard TO say angrily. "I won't" to wb,ch
| the lawyer responded: but think NJ tha
annoyance ann OF being recorded and filed y
| Then little later her voice rose apain q :
| she said: Il won't give that much avn, ds -
| l nave to be read In open court" One ~
the other heirs was heard expostulafin9.
| Of course. 1t Is in your power to cut ms on
without anything. but 1t certainly is worth
something to you to escape the bother of
being probated and proved up. "he said, and
make contest on the ground OF forgery,
you would have to be submitted to the mi
croscopists and handwriting experts" FL
nally the lawyer said: "You might keep the
millions and let 30 Of the odd $75O.0 600
and with sigh she nodded her acqui-