Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-03-21

T HE SECOND
DANDY CHATTER

BY Ton, Gallon.

: his evidence grirnly enough, in tech
| nical terms which yet sent shudder
through the listening crowd. He had
examined the boldly, and, in answer
to a question from the coroner, gave
it as his opinion-and with certainty
that the unfortunate girl, at the time
of her death, was near the period when
she would have given birth to child;
struck more deadly blow at the pris-
oner by describing, in callous medi-
cal phraseology, the wound which had
been inflicted, and the lingering death
which followed. At the end of that
evidence there was not man or wo-
man in the place that would not have
shrieked "Murder!" at him whatever
the verdict of the jury might be.
Some little sensation was created by
the appearance of Harry Routley, the
young servant of Dandy Chatter, who,
tackled by the inspector, and keeping
his eyes resolutely turned from the
man whose life he was swearing away,
gave his evidence in little more than
monosyllables; but gave 1t in forcible
quality enough, even at that. Some
greater sensation, too, was caused by
his turning swiftly to the prisoner in
the midst of the questions Of the in
spector, and holding out his hands to
Philip in an agony of appeal, and then
covering his face with them.
Master Dandy-Master Dandy!" he
cried, Il swore to you that I would
keep the secret. l have broken my
word. Master Dandy, I was mad, beside
myself. Master Dandy, forgive mel"
1t created if that were possible, a
worse impression than ever. In the
midst of the murmurs which surged
up about them the quiet voice of Philip
was heard:
"It's all right, Harry; you've only
done the right thing. The time will
come when you will understand better
what l mean-when you will have no
cause for regret. You need have none
now; you have been more loyal and
true to me than l deserved; l say it
openly, before all here"
Came Inspector Tokely himself, de-
manding that this man be sent for
trial; pointing out this mans desper-
ate attempts to escape; his partial
success; and so introducing the last
witness, the Shady I'm.
The Shady 'Un-giving his name,
with much humility, as Shadrach
Nottidge-threw himself upon the
mercy of the gentlemen present. He
was but an tumble workin' man, led
astray by the villainies of Mr.. Chatter.
In moment of remorse he had felt
that Mr.. Chatter must be given up; he
could not have slept in peace, good
gentlemen, while Mr.. Chatter remained
at large. Mr. Chatter had told him
that he was flying for his life: had
begged him (the Shady 'Un) to give
him shelter. Declining to allow his
white hands to be soiled, even by
deputy, with blood, he had taken the
| earliest opportunity of handing Mr..
Chatter over to the law; and he hoped
it would be remembered in his favor.
Mr.. Andrew Banks-rising young
, barrister Of the CHEEKY smile-tried
his hardest-badgered the coroner
twitted Inspector Tokely-was sarcas-
tic with the Shady I'm; but all to no
purpose. The coroner very clearly
pointed out to the jury their obvious
| duty in this matter; reminded them
that law and justice took no cogniz-
ance of a mans social position, and
| generally spun his rope little strong
| er. Finally, addressing Philip, begged
| to know if he cared to make any state
ment, administering to him, at the
same time, the usual caution.
81 have nothing to say, except that
l am wholly innocent of this murder"
said Philip, quietly.
The rest was a mere matter of form.
The jury returned a verdict of ''Wilful
Murder" against Mr.. Dandy Chatter, Of
| Chatter Hall, in the County Of Essex,
and he was duly committed to take his
trial at the coming sessions at the
county town. Toby Siggs made some
faint protest, but was overruled, and
the crowd surged out into the spring
sunshine, and generally expressed the
opinion that Dandy Chatter was as
good as hanged already.
CHAPTER XVII.
E;n a.. od.for