Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-04-06
DAILY SHORT STORY
TER FIRST CASE
nrrirht 81 bv 7. G. MeClure. !

a month" protested Alice. though it
was evident from her tones that she
did not make the statement in spirit
of accusation.
1T is my misfortune" pleaded How
ell. 1T is less than three months since
first saw you"
Il said month" she insisted.
And l three" he finished of.
She stamped her tiny foot.
How could you have known me two
months longer than l have known
yOu:"
Il did not say known" he corrected.
II said seem"
Three months ago you were in Den
ver," she protested.
Il came as quickly as l could" he
pleaded.
But how could you have seen me in
Denver" she persisted when l was
In New York all the time?"
The eyes of love are quick and see
far" he quoted.
Alice tiptilted her nose delightfully."-
"In that case" she said. with a saucy
courtesy, ~ beg to decline. It would
be distressing TO have for husband
man who could see as far as that"
down beside him.
It's not n time for jesting, little
woman" he urged. Il could i'll afford
this month in paradise. and tomorrow
/ must go back to-
ITO Denver" she completed for him
in the tone of one who mentions quite
another place.
ITO Denver" he repeated, with the
accents of one who speaks of home.
II want to take back with me the
promise if not the person Of the sweet
est little woman in all these United
States"
For n moment the love light flashed
into her eyes. but the spirit of mis-
chief gained the mastery.
Il think" she said, with an extra
judicial air, that the plaintiff has not
fully pleaded his case"
THE defendant pleads guilty to hav-
ing fallen in love"
You are the plaintiff" she corrected
1.-The defendant" he declared stout
ly.
1.-The plaintiff" she insisted.
"I'll be both or 1 won't play"
Cry baby" she commented, sur
X.
Il plead guilty and await sentence"
he suggested.
plea refusedw she cried. "The court
will appoint a lawyer to plead for you.
I'll be the lawyer" she finished, with
a sudden lapse from her judicial dig
nifty
"If your honor pleases," she began.
coming round from the other side of
the library table, 1.-The defendant, while
admitting his offense, pleads not
guilty" f... r.l-.i
Il admit no offense," he protested.
IF you don't let your lawyer do the
talking I'll get the Judge to hang you"
she threatened severely.
pleads not guilty, with extenuating
circumstances. You see, your honor,
this Is his first visit east IN some years
and seeing handsOmer young women
than they have in Denver
"One more adorable young woman"
he protested.
THAN they have in Denver" she
went on, ignoring his interruption. he
foolishiy lost his head. You see. your
honor. he had no idea that there We're
such attractive young women as those
who throng the streets of our city
and
Il came east especially because 1
knew you were here" he interposed.
She danced around to the other side
Of the table. The court will examine
the prisoner" she declared. HE has
asserted that he came east because he
had knowledge of the presence of the
prosecutor. How was that Information
acquiredT'
He drew from an inside pocket a
leather pocket photograph case and
handed 1t to her.
She opened it curiously and gave a
little cry. How did you get this?' she
demanded, forgetting the game she
was playing.
Jack Osborne painted 1t on an en-
velope one night just to show me what
he could do from memory, and I-er-I
came on to see what his memory was
worth"
She glanced curiOusly at the dainty
water color her artist cousin had made.
1t was wonderfully accurate and true
to life.
Il shall mark this exhibit A." she an
nOunced. Now what have you to say
In your defense?'
Your honor" he began gravely, Il
can say only that the sole witness who
can prove my offense is my lawyer. A
mans wife cannot testify against him.
and it is her duty as a good lawyer to
maTy me. love her dearly; and ever
since saw that envelope she has filed
my thoughts. await my counsers an
sweY
Il think" said the counsel tenderly,
that l should win my first case at
least" And she came around the table