Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-09
HIS SENSE OF DUTY-A STORY OF THE POINT OF VII

were going from the stable together after
work. and I picked up a purse in the
gutter near Solomon's poolroom. There
was nigh fifty dollars in it. Pagan was
keen to have me divide with him. as he
had seen it when / did. and I only got it
first by me quick dive.
We'll, that was only fair. McGinnis."
Yes. Judge. your honor. but the own
ers name was on a card in the purse. and
l said, of course. Ii must go back to
him. Pagan said ] was a fool. He said
Bill DIVERT was his purse, judge
played more than fifty on each race. and
won, too, and would never miss this bit
But judge sure / could never take home
any twenty-five dollars to Mrs. McGinnis
that i got that way-so l took the purse
to Billy Oliver
And so that's why Misther Pagan was
oppressed by his sinse of duty to squeal
on you to the deputy. eh? Pagan. ye
scamp" Dryers voice rose to a roar.
Make yerself scarce in a hurry" Pagan
obeyed.
And so. judge" continued McGinnis.
again relapsing into his humble pose, i
went to register. and then the deputy he
he said what he said
Il went 10 McConnell's saloon across
the street and took the first drink OF
whisky had tasted in thirty years. And
then another-and another Judge, your
Honor. / couldn't get the stuff down fast
enough. i wanted to forget-right away.
/ knew i would be arrested. And Mr..
Beekman saw me in the saloon. and came
in and bounced me-and-and 1 don't
know any more until l woke up in the
cell last highland / nearly went crazy.
judge, your honor.
Again the muscles in the scraggy
throat convulsively strained and twisted.
man was gasping for more air-as il
again the horror of imprisonment was
shutting down on him.
Danny Beekmanr' shouted the magis-
N m M
that this man has lost his job?"
D EEKMAN-the Tammany contractor
- pushed his way through the throng
about the desk. In the wake of his cor
puient body darted the meager form of the
prisoners wife
What dye take me for. your honor?"
asked Beekman. What dye take me for?
Tell with the newspapers. McGinnis can
have Fagans JOB. Yes. sir, as soon as he
gets out McGinnis can have Fagan's job!'
LAS soon as he gets out. dye say. Dan
ny? He doesn't go i'm said Magistrate
Dwyer. II rayfuse TO hold him.
There was d roar from the crowd; they
beat their hands together like people at Q
play
..Or-r-der- shouted Dwyer furiously.
leaning over his desk with MS lace en-
crimsoned
But. your honor. you can't do this!"
cried the deputy from the superintendent
of elections office. The man has pleaded
guilty. If you discharge him we shall
have to go TO the district attorney and
get him indicted
"Ye will will ye?" shouted Dwyer. Go
We an talk to tn rayporters. not to me.
Ye are a good man. no doubt-b1t be-
lave a word from me will go az tar as
with boss.
There was appreciative mLrnur
among the men before the desk. who knew
the truth of what ne said-as did the dcp-
uty who suddenly shrugged his shoulders
and turned disgustedly away.
Anyways Eve given me decision
said Dwyer. "McGinnis. go home with
your wife-I think she's waitin for ye."
McGinnis turned with the faltering
words of thanks still mumoling In his
throat, and saw his wife. with her eyes
shining through tears. and her hands held
out to him.
''oh. joe" she whispered. brokenly.
Lets go home"
Hand in hand they passed through the
crowd.
"Bedad. l have sinse of duty mesilf.
whin We git right down to ii. Next case"
said Magistrate Dwyer.