The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1909-07-29

ments py teiepnone for the preliminary
hearing. IL would OF curse be q mere
matter OF form, and soon over n the
sooner the better: for the prisoners
must be safe in h 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.
BY 8 o'clock the space about the
store vas crowded as IL for a farmers
picnic. Every available place for hitch
Ing. for rods up mi 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 q strange
hush came over the muititude-a hush
so instant and complete that those
within the house noted Ii and looked
out. Squire Hartswick even ran to the
porch. An unfamiliar buggy was on
the driveway, and the by the
d~river.-there could be no mistake,-
was Rose Hartswick. The Squire
rubbed his eyes, and fumbled for his
spectacles. Then he hustled Y 70
meet her.
why, Rose"
What does this crowd mean, father
Quick; what's happened ?1 She leaned
far over In her ~eagerness.
How did you get here? What are
you nCES IoEl ne UiuTteu out aihApss
81 came because I was needed. Now
tell me what you're doing. Tell me"
There was g 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 she
saw her mothers ACE at a window, and
ran quickly UP the path.
"Rosie-why, Rosie."
Tell me, mother, what is It? What's
h~appened?'
Tho sherif's here. they are go
ing to have a trial"
VIVA for?"
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 he goods In Mr.. Earth
lnE's barn
THE goods stolen from fathers
store?"
Yes; and they found Karl's stamp
Where's the sheriff? I must see him
this instant"
Hes in the dining room-but, Rose"
But she had disappeared into the din-
Ing room where tie sheriff was making
preparations for the coming trial,
Are you the sheriff, SIT?
Il 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 h Judge,
madam"
''All l 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 q chair
for her near the window.
There was a commotion in the front
hall; the justice had arrived-a fiorid,
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"
II shall stay right where I am.
father she replied calmly.
"What?-what's that? Indeed, o
won't stay here; i forbid 1t"
you have no authority" She looked
at him cody. and settled back In her
seat.
wen see about that. Here, sheriff.
conduct this lady out where h be-
longs" .#.s
II told her that she might stay here,
6AAA oAAO AAAAg " $50 NNoS
differently
Squire Myers, are you going to al
low spectators In this court?
i don't care to have my daughter here
during the trial"
II have important testimony. very
important testimony" she said
earnestly.
Let her stay" The old man
dropped into his eat with q look on
his face Of mingled wrath and appre-
hension.
The justice tool his place at the
head OF the dining room table. ar
ranged half a dozen sheep bound vol
umes before him.
Let the prisoners be brought In"
he said.
There was a m of silence, then
the entrance OF the sheriff, the three
prisoners and 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 face and ebbed as
quickly. leaving 1t deathly pale. Rose
gave no sign; she sat motionless and
impasstve. Then the group seated tt
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- APP
pear at the ext term OF court. He
announced in due form the nature OF
the three cases. The first would be
OF James Farthing, charged with
breaking and entering the postofice
In Sugar valley. and causing the death
Of Karl Keichline, the postmaster.
tContinued Next Week.