Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1909-07-30

| ments by telephone for the preliminary
hearing. IT would OF course be a mere
matter OF form, and soon over. and the
sooner the better: for h prisoners
must be safe in the county jail before
| night. But the justice before whom
the hearing was to be held could not
arrive before 10, and the Squire fretted
and fumed.
ByS O'Clock the space about the
store was crowded as IL for a farmers
| picnic. Every available place for hitch
ing, for rods UP and down the ROAD,
was taken. The people were even scat
tering into the Hartswick grounds:
The morning, however, was eventless
until shortly after 9, when a strange
hush came over the multitude hush
I so instant and complete that those
within the house noted 1t and looked
out. Squire Hartswick ever ran to the
! porch. An unfamiliar buggy was on
the driveway, and the woman by the
driver,-there could be no mistake
was Rose Hartswick. The Squire
rubbed his eyes, n fumbled for his
spectacles. Then he hustled out to
meet her.
why, Rose"
What Ices this crowd mean, father?
@diSh AAh - AoPRGAASo
far over In her eagerness.
How did you get here? What are
you here for?' he blurted out almost
brutality.
"I came because l was needed. Now
tell me what you're doing. Tell me.
There was a dangerous light In her
eyes.
Go to your room, Rose. I'll see you
there He turned abruptly and start
ed toward the barn.
Father she called commandingly.
but he did not stop or turn. Then
saw her mothers face at a window, and
ran quickly up the path.
"Rosie-why, Rosie"
Tell me, mother, what is it? What's
happened?"
Tho sheriff's here, and they are go
ing 70 have a trial"
what forg.'
Somebody broke into the store, and
they've arrested Jim Farthing and his
father"
What proof have they got?" She
was fairly shaking In her excitement.
They found the goods in Mr.. Earth
ng's barn.
THE goods stolen from fathers
store?"
YES; and they found Karrs stamp
book there, too
Where's the sheriff? must see him
this instant"
"IIe's in the dining room-but, Rose.
But she had disappeared into the din
ing room where the sheriff was making
preparations for the coming trial.
"Are you the sheriff, sir?"
II have that honor, madam he re-
piled Importantly.
Then you'll allow me to attend the
trial. I have important evidence"
You'll have to speak to the judge,
madam"
"All | ask is to be allowed TO re-
main In the room: will you allow that?'
"All right; sit right here. Well be
ready In a minute" He placed a chair
for her near the window.
There was a commotion in the front
hall; the justice had arrived-a ford,
stout old gentleman, with a stern eye
Squire Hartswick, who was with him,
stopped short when he saw Rose. then
strobe over to her angrily.
This amt no place for YOU" he
whispered sharply. There won't be
only men here. Go to your room at
once"
IL shall stay right where 1 am,
father" she replied calmly.
"What?-what's that? Indeed, you
won't stay here; l forbid It,"
you have no authority" She looked
at him cody, and settled back In her
SStA.
Wen see about that. Here, sheriff,
conduct this lady out where she be-
longs"
Il told her that she might stay here.
and she may unless the judge orders
differently"
Squire Myers. are o going to al
low women spectators in this court?
l don't care TO have my daughter here
during the trial."
Il have important testimony, very
important testimony" she said
earnestly.
Let her stay" The old man
dropped into his seat with a look on
his face of mingled wrath and appre-
The justice took his place at the
head of the dining table. and ar
ranged half a dozen sheep bound vol
before him.
Let the prisoners be brought in"
he said.
There was a moment OF silence, then
the entrance of the sheriff. the three
prisoners n the six deputies. Jim.
erect and alert, cast a curious glance
about the room and stopped short as
his eye fell on Rose. A tide OF color
leaped to his Fac and ebbed as
quickly, leaving it deathly pale. Rose
gave no sign; she sat motionless and
impressive. Then the group seated it
self at the end OF the table opposite
the justice.
The trial. like all rural hearings.
was to be an informal affair. The
charge was to be brought against the
prisoners, each was to have a chance
to speak for himself. and then the
justice was to bind them over to ap-
pear at the next term OF court. He
announced in due form the nature of
the three cases. The first would be
that OF James Farthing. charged with
breaking and entering the postofice
in Sugar valley, and causing the death
of Karl Keichline, the postmaster.
(Continued Next week.l