The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1906-09-01
The Marriage Of
Muggsy
By w. II. ALBUM
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Copyright. BY Joseph 3. Bowlss.)

50 it happened that Muggsy and
Mary Ann the waitress became en-
gagged. Muggsy was to borrow some
money from friend, and get a job.
and be married.
Now, it is hard for burglarious
loafer to get job. 1t is harder still
for him to borrow money. But after
Ave days of tramping the streets and
visiting mills and factories. and
striking old friends internationally for
recuniary aid, he obtained the prom
Use of work in a foundry, to begin the
following Monday. and a former pal"
lent him SO to begin housekeeping
with. So he was to be married son
Sunday.
1t was Saturday night. and Mary
AIMS fiance was strolling through the
streets, resless and happy. Tomorrow
he would be married. 1t seemed inn
possible, and yet there could be no
doubt of it.
Muggsy found himself staring va
cantly into a shop window. The shop
was closed. for 1t was late; and the
lights in the windows were dim. There
we're three gilded balls over the door.
Then Muggsy's gaze fell upon tray
of rings in the window, and he start
ed. The awful truth flashed upon him.
When people get married they use
wedding rings! And he had forgotten
the ring.
There was an cid shoe lying in the
street. In moment he had seized the
shoe, rested it on the glass above the
crack, inserted his left elbow In the
shoe. closed his fist and struck IT.
powerful blow with his right hand.
lie took only one ring; once he
would have taken the whole tray. He
wa3 triumphant. but he was in danger.
He ran quickly down the street to
rassageway he knew of, leading to an
alley and thence to another street,
where he would be safe.
But suddenly blue uniform doomed
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
agep'ay, the patrolman after him in
full chase. A fence had been built
there since last ne came that way, and
he was cornered.
Muggsy was man of peace. The
game was up. ana he surrendered.
When the turnkey searched him at the
polic. station he still had the ring. 1t
went into an envelope marked "Ex-
hibit A."
There was big docket in police
court on Monday morning An end
less line of "druuks" shuffled out Of
the resking ''bull pen" and stood. ner-
vously expectant. before the bench
where the magnanimous Judge
O'Rourke dispensed fines and impris-
'onment for the protection Of society.
well, well!" calculated his honor,
with broad grin. MOT very cheerful
this morning. Muggsy. What is 1t
now MONEY!"
Burglary and larceny, your honor
at is old tricks-smashed jewelry
window an coppad a ring-a weddin'
ring, too" The court officer smiled
infuigea.ly and the prosecuting attor-
neg Inspected the ring, while the clerk
read the anidavit, and the spectators
craned Forward with interest-for the
prisoner had many acquaintance
present.
The proof was too easy. The prosecu-
tor yawned, and held up the ring for the
inspection Of the court.
why didn't you take the rest?" he
asked. ";'his amt worth much, and
there was whole trayful."
II didn't need any MORE" nuttered
Muggsy.
Didn't need any more?" repeated
the prose .1tor, while the court at
taches AID police reporters showed
signs of interest. Then you confess
to the tha!t?" he shrewdly added.
NAV. don't confess not'in'."
Needed . wedding ring, did you,
Muggsy?" Queried his honor. with
smile that lit up the courtroom.
THAT reminds me-" remarked Lieut..
O'Hara. I've found a marriage license
in his clothes-Exhibit B over there.
It's got his name on, too. only he
says it's for cousin as has the
same name a. he has. an was to be
married yesterday. wonder" and
while he was wondering, a light SUI
fused his massive face.
Meanwhile reporter was inspect
ing the marriage license. He was a
tall, lean scribe, with a lazy. far-away
look, and wore en- eternal stogie in
his mouth. He leaned over to the
Judge.
1.-THE girls name IL Mary Ann
Evans" he said. Maybe she's here.
She'd make good Witness"
Now. his honor had great respect
fox this particular reporter. Besides.
he was under obligation to him for
certain unnamed favors.
Have you any witnesses!" he
asked the prisoner.
"Me? Nav"
The Judge handed the license to
the court ohicer.
"1s Mary Ann Evans here present ?"