The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-01-23
THE ARREST
\ OF MUGGSY

" So it. happened that Muggsy and
Mary Aun, the waitress, became en-
gagged. Muggsy was to borrow some
money from a friend, and get a job,
and be married.
Now, it is hard for a burglarious
loafer to get a job. 1t is harder still
for him to borrow money. But after
five days of tramping the streets and
visiting mills and factories and strik-
ing old friends internationally for pc
cuniary aid, he obtained the promise
of work in a foundry, to begin the
following Monday, and a former pal
lent him $40 to begin housekeeping
with. So he was to be married on
Sunday.
1t was Saturday night, and Mary
AIMS fance was strolling through
the streets, restless and happy. To-
morrow he would be married. 1t
seemed impossible, and yet there
could be no doubt Of it.
Muggsy found himself staring va
cantly into a shop window. The shop
was closed, for it was late, and lights
in the window were dim. There were
three gilded balls over the door.
Then Muggsy's gaze fell upon a
tray of rings in the window, and he
started. The awful truth flashed upon
him. When people get married they
use weddings rings! And he had for
gotten the ring.
He took only one ring; once he
would have taken the whole tray. He
was triumphant, but he was in dan
ger. He ran quickly down the street
to a passageway he knew of leading
to an alley and thence to another
street, where he would be safe.
But suddenly a blue uniform
doomed up, and an excited voice or
dered the fugitive to stop. A pistol
shot added force to the command.
Muggsy was frightened. He darted
into the passageway, the patrolman
after him in full chase. A fence had
been built there since last he came
that way, and he was cornered.
Muggsy was a man Of peace. The
game was up, and he surrendered.
When the turnkey searched him at
the police station he still had the
ring. 1t went into an envelope
marked Exhibit A."
There was a big docket in police
court on Monday morning. An end
LESS line of "drunks" shufled out of
the reeking bull pen" and stood,
nervously expectant, before the
bench, where the magnaimous Judge
O'Rourke dispensed fines and impris-
onment for the protection Of society.
well, WE'LL" calculated His
Honor, with a broad grin. mot very
cheerful this morning, Muggsy. What
is it now, Mooney"
Burglary and larceny, Your Honor
at is old tricks-smashed a jew
elry window an COPIED a ring-a
weddin' ring, too" The court officer
smiled indulgently, and the prosecut-
ing attorney inspected the ring, while
the clerk read the affidavit and the
spectators craned forward with in
terest-for the prisoner had many
acquaintance present.
The proof was too easy. The pros
ecutor yawned, and held up the ring
for the, inspection of the court.
why didn't you take the rest?"
he asked. "This amt worth much,
and there was a whole trayful."
Il didn't need any MORE NUT
tered Muggsy.
Didn't need any more?" repeated
the prosecutor, while the court at
taches and police reporters showed
signs of interest. Then you con-
fess to the theft?" he shrewdly
added.
Nav, I don't confess not'in'."
Needed a wedding ring, did you,
Muggsy?" queried His Honor, with a
smile that lit up the courtroom.
"Me? Nav"
"That reminds me-" remarked
Lieutenant O'Hara. 1--WE found a
marriage license in his clothes-Ez-
hibit B over there. It's got lis name
on, too, only he says it's for a cousin
as has the same name as he has, an
was to be married yesterday. I won
der" and while he was wondering,
a light suffused his massive face.
mo such weddin' in the sassiety
colyums," volunteered Mooney. why,
what you blushin' about, Muggsy?"
"You go to the devil" growled
Muggsy, who, now the centre of all
eyes, was really blushing for proba-
bly, the first time in his life.
Meanwhile a reporter was inspect
ing the marriage license. He was a
tall, lean scribe, with a lazy, far
away look, and wore an eternal stogie
in his mouth. He leaned ove to the
judge.
The Judge handed the license to
the court officer.
Us Mary Ann Evans here pres
ent?," roared Mooney.
Muggsy jerked himself erect, his
square jaw set, his eyes flashing and
his fists clenched.
stop that, Mr.. Oficer!" he cried.
sI don't want that there name men
toned in this - p'lice COURT" the
prisoner gasped.
The judges bland smile had con-