The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-18
THE MARRIAGE OF MUGGsY.
BY w. H. AUBURN.

(Copyright, 1906, by Joseph B. Bowles.
 So 1t happened that Muggsy and Mary Ann. the waitress. became en- gagged. Muggsy was to borrow some money from friend, and get Jop' and be married.
 Now, 1t is hard for burglarious loafer to get a job. It is harder still for him to borrow money But after five days of tramping the streets ana visiting mills and factories, and strlk- ing old friends intern1ittently Tor pecuniary aid, he obtained the promise of work in a foundry, to begin the fot- lowing Monday, and T former pal lent him Sl0 to begin housekeeping witn' So he was to be married on Sunday.
 It was Saturday night, ana Mary Ann's fiance was strolling through she streets, restless and happy. Tomorrow he would be married. It seemed im possible. and yet there could be no doubt of 1t.
 MuRgsy found himself staring va- vanity into a shop window. The snop was closed, for it was late; and the lights in the windows were dim. Thero were three gilded balls over the door.
 Then Muggsy's gaze fell upon tray of rings in the window, and he start@ |. The awful truth flashed upon hins When people get married they use wedding ringsl And he had forgotten the ring.
 There was an old shoe lying in the street In moment he had seized tfc shoe, rested it on the glass above she crack, inserted his left elbow in the shoe closed his fist and struck 1t a powerful blow with his right hand.
 He took only one ring; once ne would have taken the whole tray. He was triumphant, but he was in danger. He ran quickly down the street to passageway he knew of, leading to an alley and thence to another street where he would be safe.
 But suddenly a blue uniform loomed up, and an excited voice ordered the fugitive to stop. A pistol shot added force to the command. Muggsy was frightened. He darted into the pass ageway, the patrolman after him In full chase. A fence had been built there since last he came that way, ana he was cornered.
 Muggsy was a man of peace. The game was up, and he surrendered When the turnkey searched him at the police station he still had the ring. It went into an exhibit marked "Ex- hibit A
 There was a big docket in police court on Monday morning. And end less line of "drunks'' shuffied out of the TGeklnS OuiI PCA elAAA SeSS1, AN. vously expectant, before the bench where the magnanimous Judge ORourke dispensed fines and imprison- ment for the protection of society.
 Well, we'll" calculated his honor, with a broad grin. Not very cheerful this morning, Muggsy What is 1t now, Mooney"
 Burglary and larceny. your honor at is old tricks--smashed a jewelry
 rfr EF1t ring, too' The court officer smiled indulgently and the prosecuting attor- ney inspected the ring, while the clerk read the affidavit, and the spectators craned forward with interest-for the prisoner had many acquaintances pres ent
 The proof was too easy. The prose- cutor yawned. and held up the ring for the inspection of the court.
 why didn't you take the rest?' he asked. This ain't worth much, and there was a whole trayful."
 T didn't need any more muttered
 Didn't need any more?" repeated the prosecutor, while the court at taches and police reporters showed signs of interest Then you confess to the theft?' he shrewdly added
 Nav, don't confess nottn'.
 Needed a wedding ring, did you Muggsy?" aueried his honor. with smile that lit up the court room.
 That reminds me remarked Lieu