Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-03-14

his hand, to whisper to one or the
other of the constables. The door OF
that room proved to be keen source
of attraction to many eyes, for it was
whispered that the prisoner waited
within.
After what seemed an interminable
length of time little gentleman, in
black frock coat, thrust his way
with some Impotence through the
general public, and made his way to
4 one end Of the table set apart in the
/ cleared space. A murmur ran round
that this was the coroner from the
neighboring country town; murmurs,
Also that he did not quite look the
part, inasmuch as he wore an air OF
cheerfulness, which seemed almost to
suggest that he was about to preside
at a wedding rather than at anything
SO formidable as an inquest.
little glancing at his watch by this
] gentleman, an expostulatory whisper
or two on his part to the constables in
attendance, and the door of the inner
! room opened again, and Inspector
Il
stable, stranger to Bamberton, and
! of more importance on that account
| produced a list from which, with a
| strong provincial accent he proceed
ed to call out certain names. Then
more shutting Of feet, and some
friendly pushing of bashful jurymen
forward, and the twelve ranged them
selves sheepishly, with much cough
ing, round the table, and were duly
sworn.
J BE seated, gentlement, beg" said
! the coroner, busy with his papers.
| Stop one moment, though glancing
| UP quickly; have you viewed the
| body?"
| Several Of the jurymen present ex-
pressed decided disinclination to
do anything of the kind; and it be-
came apparent that that important
ceremony had not been performed.
Really, Moody" exclaimed the cor
oner, this is most remis on your part.
This should have been done first of all.
We are wasting time-valuable time"
The repentant Mr.. Moody-the
strange constable-made some at
tempt at an apology, and concluded by
hurrying the jurymen through another
door, where they were heard to go
heavily up wooden stairs, and to tramp
about little overhead. In the mean
time the coroner had word or two
with Inspector Tokely, and glanced
once or twice, with a nod, toward the
door where the prisoner was supposed
to be.
The jurymen coming down again
some of them rather white-faced and
wide-eyed-the coroner abruptly mo-
toned them to their seats, and turned
to Tokely as he took his own.
Inspector, think we may have MT.
Chatter in here now
The general public seemed to stir
and sway, as though bent by sudden
wind; bending toward each other and
whispering hoarsely, yet keeping their
eyes with one accord turned toward
that door. Inspector Tokely hurried
out, and came back in another mo-
ment glancing over his shoulder
through the doorway; Immediately
following him came Philip Chatter,
with two constables in close attend
ance. He looked round for moment
at the murmuring crowd; seemed to
seek one face in it, and to smile as he
recognized it. At the same moment a
woman in the crowd burst into violent
weeping
Inc coroner raped the table impa-
tiently with his knuckles. amy dem
onstration on the part Of any member
OF the public will necessitate my clear
Ing the room at once,' he said, look
ing sternly about him.
One of the jurymen, no other than
old Toby Siggs. rose ponderously in
his place. "Askin' yer pardon, mister"
he said slowly, Il rather think as 'ow
that was my ole gal" Then, before
the astonished coroner could interpo-
late remark, Toby turned abruptly,
and addressed his spouse. 'Earty is
it, ole gall he said, in a voice like muf-
fed thunder. for her special hearing,
well git i'm of afore you'd ave time
to draw art pint Bear in mind ole
gal, as 'ow I've got vote.''
Ny good sir" interposed the cor
oner. hurriedly, "let me impress upon
you that this business must be tried
judfciously and fairly-wit no bias.
Understand that clearly
Toby nodded his head with much
gravity. "Sich are my intentions, mis-
ter" he said So fire away as ard
as you like. An heaven 'elp the win.
ner! With which pious exclamation
Toby siggs sat down. perfectly salts
fed with himself,
And now the coroner-in quick,
busting fashion, as though he were in
e hurry and should be glad to get SO
unimp ortant a matter off his hands
began to inform the jury of what their
clear duty was, and how rapidly they
might set about 1t. Tha body of this
yolAg girl, gentlemen, had been found
IN the adjacent wood She was stabbed
very near vital part, and had I'M:
doubleday, under considerable. pain,
and for period perhaps of half 40
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