The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1906-09-01


the oficer at the gate and stepped to
the judges bench. young lad about
to follow her was denied admittance.
Muggsy was abashed. His figure
slumped back to its normal posture.
and again he gazed at the floor.
"P-please. sir, I'm here" faltered
the figure under the shawl. while
pair Of greenish-yellow eyes roved
back and forth between Judge and pris.
oner.
Are you Mary Ann Evans?" asked
his honor.
yves, sir. An I came here this
mornin' because Jimmy-that's my
brother-seen in the paper that
Muggsy was arrested. an he ssie
they'd try him this mornin.' An
thought mebbe could-do sumpin'-
fer i'm" Further calculation was In
terrupted by the necessity for stop
ping a flow OF tears with one corner
of her shawl.
lis 1t this man. or his cousin, that
you were going to marry?" asked the
Judge.
Mary Ann checked an impulse to
answer. and looked to the prisoner for
guidance Muggsy's eyes slowly rose
from the floor met hers. and read
their honest appeal. That look
shamed the duplicity out of him. He
stepped nearer the Judge, while the lit
tie group narrowed around the am
anced pair. and he addressed the judge
in a voice firm, but low. SO that the
curiosity mongers beyond the railln 3
might not hear.
"I'll tell we the truth. yer honor"
he said. IAN it'll be the first time
ever told it to ye I lied wen l said
the license was fer me cousin. an l
| lied about breakin' the windy by acct
dent. This little girl had promisca
to marry me, yer honor. an the we'd
din was to "a been yesterday. An
wen l happened to think how l didn't
have no ring. an how l needed one.
and didn't have no money to buy one,
nor not'in'. wy don't know how 1t.
was, yer honor, but Just couldn't help
fergittin' I'd reformed, an gittin'
ring the best way could. An now
s'pose l got to go to the Works
again, an don't care much, fer
don't s'pose Mary Ann'll have anything
to do with me now-fer she's decent.
respectable girl, yer honor. an not like
me. Only. I don't know what she'll
do, on account of bein' out of Job.
an nobody to take care of her. But
it's all up now. an you might as well
give me the sentence right away, yer
honor; fer there can't be no weddin'.
an my Jobs lost. an it's no use,
guess. tryin' to be decent"
what Jobs that" asked the prose-
cutor. The suggestion of Muggsy at
work, following close upon the .'evela.
tion of Muggsy in love. staggered
him.
Thereupon the prisoner filled in the
details of the story. His narrative
was supplemented by the testimony
of a policeman who recognized Mary
Ann and had known her father.
Are you still willing to marry
him?" asked the Judge. curiously.
"Why. Of counsel" and Mary Ann
stared at him in surprise. II know
he'll never do such a thing again. An
guess can git along somehow till he
gifts out. an gifts another job"
"Well, in view of the circumstances.
won't make 1t SO long as otherwise
would" began the judge. as he re-
sumed his judicial air. ut will be-"
But the reportorial face had sud-
denly approached his honor's ear. and
there was a quiet little conference. in
which the prosecutor presently jsined.
at will -ahem!"-resumed his
honor, when the heads separated
| il
impressively. "And. in view Of GER
tain extenuating circumstances-the
workhouse sentence is suspended dur
ing good behavior, and the fine to be
paid at the convenience of the pris-
oner."
Muggsy stared stupidity.
go on!" said Mooney. nudging him
good-naturedly. mo. not that way"
as the prisoner started back toward the
"bull pen" "Out here. with your girl.
You're free. as long as you behave
yourself. see?"
Muggsy saw, and with radiant
smile overspread his ugly face as he
grasped Mary AIMS hand. and they
turned away, too happy for speech.
wait q minute" whispered the tall
reporter. "Your job?"
The smile faded.
at was mighty hard to git. and now
I've lost It," Muggsy faltered. II was
to report fer work this mornin'."
Wont you sign this. judge?" asked
the scribe.
His honor took from him the sheet
Of oficial court paper and read:
Foreman Of the - Foundry: Tho
presence Of Mr.. Mcguire has been re-
quired at an important trial this morn
ing. He informs me that as . result
Of rendering the court this service he
may lose the employment you have
promised him. Allow me to request