Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-05
The Salisbury Assizes
Continued from page s

Continued from page s
Holcomb," he said. And who are you?" and
then he stared, his eyes a-goggle, and came a
few steps nearer "Seize that fellow" he said
Seize him in Gods name! He is the very
ruffian that stopped my coach and robbed me. !"
with dignity. What does this scarecrow
here?" and turning to one that stood by me
said Cannot the proceedings of this honor
able court be conducted with decency? Why
is this intrusion of crazy loon allowed? Put
him out, some of vel"
Some of the attendants made in the direc.
ton of the Judge, who was now purple of face
II tell you, am. Mr.. Justice Holcomb!' he
called out. And there is the villain that
robbed me- and is posturing in my placel"
| made an imperious gesticulation towards
him, and one seized his arm. But out of the
tail of my eye | could see the lawyer l had
dumbfounded whispering with his fellows and
nodding eagerly. 1t was plain how events were
shaping. But there was some kick left in me.
took hold Of him. Gentlemen, went on
as he was speeches., you have heard, some
of you, of the misadventure that befel me
to-day on the plain. This is the rascal, as
now perceive, though, faith, he has done his
lightly, laugh which was echoed in one or
two places in the court. But for the more part
they were silent, waiting what should issue out
of this predicament.
Are you mad?" cried Mr.. Justice. will
YOU make mock of the law! Mr.. Sheriff, !
appeal to YOU"
I'VE will have him tied up in trice," said
good humoredly to the court. 1.-THE fellow is
tipsy. The stocks will serve his turn
Still there was no movement in the court
though tongues were busy plying now, and
sound as of the sea on the beach filed the room
Plainly they were swaying this way and that
l looked down the hall, and saw Jack Blake
was gone, and cursed him for a coward sat
there feeling in no wise discomposed, but with
little quickening of my heart at the danger
| in Heavens name let us get on!'
| was always a cool hand, and twas this
assurance of mine that turned the scales, at
least for the lesser fry.
The men who had hands on him forced him
right about, and were walking him away,
despite his struggles, when he shrieked out
breathlessly
Il tell you am the Justice! And if the
Lord Bishop is here he will testify to me.
1.-The Bishopl'' cried the lawyer rising. as
His Lordship known to your"
"He was at college with me-" gasped the
old harlequin.
The lawyer whispered to one near, who rap
| idly left the hall; and l knew the game was
up But / could ha carried it on even longer
to the fall of the curtain, had it not been for
| Nat Castle. When had sentenced him, twas
plain he thought he was to get off; and as he
heard the sentence his jaw dropped and he
Scowled. / had not thought OF him till now,
| when his raucous voice broke in.
"'Tis so! His Lordship speaks gospel TRUTH"
he said loudly Its no Judge on the bench
there but Galloping Dick himself!'
What is this you say!" asked gentleman
in wig and gown.
"'Tis Dick Ryder, who is known on the road
and wanted for many an affair" says this un-
grateful swine. !" / recognized him as soon as
| clapped eyes on him. His Lordship is right. +"
Twas like that he thought to make favor
with the authorities by this treachery, for he
lived and died rogue of the worst kidney.
Some among them made as if to come at me-
but | waved my arm.
"This man. / reminded them, is con-
victed felon. Let him go to his doom. By all
means let His Lordship the Bishop be fetched
and let him judge between US. Meanwhile
this court is adjourned, seeing no business is
possible. Mr.. Sheriff" said l to that official,
"your arm. would to the robing room,
and the man obeying with wonder and doubt
in his eyes, walked forth from the court, lean
ing upon his shoulder in a friendly manner.
Mr.. Sheriff" said l when we were arrived
in that privy place, this mad affair is ridicu-
lous and tiresome, and feel faint. Think you,
of your goodness, some one can be brought to
fetch a bottle of winel His Lordship the
Bishop will no doubt join us when he comes"
l smiled at him affably and sat down, and he,
his dull eyes still marveling, answered me
civilly, "Yes, My Lord" and went himself to
the door to call servant.
That was the chance / was waiting for,
though the way he gave my style almost made