Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-01-12


that very morn, his brother was him
nocent as child; that he was obliged
to strike the other man for fear of his
own life. Now, what can judge do but
turn un loose? Four sovereigns lie
gave me this very morn. What else
can judge do but turn un free? Tell
me that, now!"
WELL" said the apprentice, with
certain superiority in his air. II dare
wait no longer. My master said the
gentleman was to have the clothes this
very afternoon. So if to prison he be
gone. to prison must l go too" Upon
which he set of doggedly, and so re-
moved one of the main causes for the
assemblage at the curb.
The apprentice was hungry and
weary enough before he reached the
somber portals, yet his insistence won
past gate-keeper and turnkey, one
after another, till at length he reached
the jailer who adjudged himself fit to
pass upon the stolid demand that the
messenger be admitted with the parcel
for John Law, Esquire, late of Brad
well street, marked urgent, and col
lect fifty sovereigns. The humor of
all this appealed to the jailer nightly.
Send him along" he said. And the
boy came in, much dismayed but still
faithful to his trust.
Some Clothes" said the apprentice.
Some very fine clothes. They are Of
our best"
"Ha! hal" roared the jailer Here
indeed be pretty jest. Much need
soon take his clothes off the rack like
the rest, and happen it fits him well.
very well. Take back your box, boy
or stay, let's have look int"
The jailer was man not devoid OF
wisdom. Fine clothes sometimes went
with long purse, and long purse
might do wonders to help the comfort
Of any prisoner in London, as well as
the comfort of his keeper. Truly his
eyes opened wide as he saw the con-
tents of the box. He felt the lapel Of
the coat, passing it approvingly be-
tween his thumb and finger. well.
cen set We down the box, lad" said
he, land wait till see where Mr..
Law has gone. Hum, hum! What saith
the record? Charged that said pris-
oner did kill-hum, hum! Taken Of
said John Law six sovereigns, three
shillings and sixpence. Item, one snuff
box, gilt. Hour of admission, five
| o'clock of the afternoon. We shall see,
we shall see."
| "Sir," said the jailer, approaching
the prisoner and his brother, who both
remained in the detention room, "a
lad hath arrived bearing a parcel for
| John Law, Esquire. 'Tis not within
| possibility that you have these goods,
but We would know what disposition
We shall make Of them"
by my faith!" cried Law, II had
entirely forgot my haberdasher."
The jailer stood on one foot and
gave cough, unnecessarily loud but
sufficiently significant. 1t was enough
for the quick wit of Law.
There was so sovereigns on the
charge list" said the jailer.
Sixty sovereigns, heard you say
distinctly" replied Law. ''Will, give
me thy purse, mani"
Will Law obeyed automatically.
There" said John Law to the jail
er. II am sure the garments will be
very proper. Is 1t not all very proper?"
The turnkey looked calmly into the
face OF his prisoner and as calmly re-
piled: st is. sir. as you say, very
| proper"
"Will," said Law to his brother, who
had scarce moved during all this,
come, cheer up! One would think
twas myself was to be inmate here,
and not another"
Will Law burst into tears.
Good knows, 'twere better myself,
and not thee, jack" he said.
"Pish! boy, no more Of that! Twas
as chance would have it. I'm never
meant for staying here. Come, take
this letter, as I said, and make haste
to carry It, Twill serve nothing to
have you moping here. Fare you well,
and see that you sleep sound"
Will Law turned, obedient as ever
to the commands of the superior mind.
He passed out through the heavily
guarded door as the turnkey swung it
for him; passed out, turned and looked
back. He saw his brother standing
there, easy, calm, Indifferent, SPLEEN
did figure Of man.
To be continued