Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-12-04

formal permission for her to conduct
the case. AS the lawyer finished and
sat down she was on her own feet, her
face flushed. her eyes scornful.
II wonder II there Is one person in
this room who really believes that.
even the lawyer who declared it, she
said slowly. Most of You knew my
father and how puncilious he was
about meeting his obligations. He alb
horred debts Of any kind. Is 1t likely
that he would sign q note for $4,000,
just about enough to cover his prop
erty. and not give hint of it TO us?
And almost his last words were of
satisfaction that he had left us provid-
ed for. even though modestly. Is II
reasonable that my father gave Mr..
Thompson's hired man n note for such
would keep ON working instead of try
ing to realize from IL? Isn't II odd the
hired man should owe his employer
Just this amount and that he should
give the note up so willingly: de-
mand that the man particularize and
prove the indebtedness for which he
alleges my father gave him the note
and that his employer prove his right
to the ownership. They can't do 1t.
Fitch Thompson Is a.
II protest. cried the opposing law
yer.
Miss Fraser must be more circum-
spect In her speech" admonished
Judge Garner. I'VE are all very sor-
ry for her. but the law knows no senti-
ment, and the note is declared genu-
ine."
Mollie swept her eyes over the room.
as there any one here" she called.
"who Is good judge of handwriting.
one whose name Is not Thompson,
mean. and who has not married into
the Thompson family and has no bust
ness relations with them? Is there
such person in the room!"
Again there was wave of indigna-
ton through the room. in the midst of
which young man rose and came for
ward quickly.
II have done little expert work In
that line" he said frankly. land shall
be glad to render what assistance ]
can. And may add that am becom-
ing interested In the case. You wish
me TO examine the signature"
YES" Mollie answered. Here are
some Of my fathers letters. | want
you to compare them carefully with
the signature on the note"
The young man bent over the papers
for some minutes. When he looked
up his face was scornful.
1.-THE note Is n forgery. as even a
tyro might see" he declared. 1T was
meant 10 he a clever imitation. but the
little eccentricitics of style were over
looked
"You are net qualified" began Judge
Garner. when the young man threw
back his head
Careful" he warned II am law
yer myself and of some little reputa-
ton, / think. know of what speak
/ happened to be travelling In this vi
entity and came In here today
through curiosity. IL you decide this
case unjustly shall advise Miss Fra
ser TO carry II TO some other court
where there will be no influence. She
has that right. And | will add.
sternly. that shall be glad to repre-
sent her If she desires But | warn
you. Judge Garner" his voice begin
ming to cut. mot TO go against your
conscience here. II might have more
serious consequences TO you and n
few others In the room than mere To-
cal reputation"
That evening the Young lawyer sat
at the dinner table in Mrs. Fraser's
pleasant home. He was looking across
at Mollia.
81 shall be In the neighborhood sew
eral days" he said. Cooking up some
old records. hope I may he permit
ted to see more of you.'
"Of course Mollie answered quick
Is. "You must come just as often rs
you can. shall he so glad to see You
we will all be SO glad. | mean
And then for the first time that day
perhaps she was self conscious, for
she flushed suddenly. and the lawyer.
across the table saw and colorcd n lit
tie too. But her flush and the crossed
glances changed his plans entirely.
His stay should not he counted by
days.