The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1907-03-14

out, with a little sheaf OF papers IN
his hand, to whisper to one or the
other of the constables. The door OIL
that room proved to be keen source
Of attraction TO many eyes. for IL was
whispered that the prisoner waited
| within.
After what seemed an intermlna0le
length of time a little gentleman, IN
a black frock coat, thrust his way
with some impatience through the
general public, and made his way TO
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.
A little CHANGING at his watch by this
gentleman, an expostulatory whisper
or two on his part TO the constaoles IN
attendance. and the door Of the inner
Tokely came bustling out. One CON
stable. stranger TO Bamberton. ana
OF more Importance ca that account,
produced lis from which, with
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.
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 a 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 a 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, l think we may have Mr..
] Chatter in here now"
The general public seemed to stir
and sway, as though bent by a 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 giancing over his shoulder
through the doorway; Immediately
following him came Philip Chatter,
with two constables In close attend
ance. He looked round for a 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 I'm the crowd burst into violent
weeping.
The coroner raped the table impa-
tiently with his knuckles. ANY 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, 81 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
1t, ole GAL" he said, In voice like muf-
fed thunder, for her special hearing,
4
to draw art pint. Bear in mind, ole
gal, as 'ow I've got VOTE
my good sir" interposed the cor
oner, hurriedly. '1et me impress upon
you that this business must be tried
judiciously and fairly-with 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 a quick
busting fashion, as though he were IL
hurry and should be glad to get sc
unimportant a matter on his hands
began to inform the jury Of what theil
clear duty was, and how rapidly they
might set about 1t. The body of thi.
| vouuc ~trJ UontlAunau hoA honu founf