The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-04


 cutor at the trial by taking the stand and gravely declaring that his name was not Gabriel Conroy Then he launched into wonderful story that he evidently thought was immensely cunning and con- vincing.
 Arthur Poinsett's quick mind was dazedl 1 but a new turn came at that moment. A stranger came into court. Presently Poin- sett called the name of Henry Perkins, and the stranger took the witness stand. 1 He testified that Ramirez had made an attack on Mrs. conroy and himself. and that struggle followed between him and the Mexican for the Iatter's knife. he swore that the Mexican suddenly broke away and thrust the knife into his own l breast.
 In their first alarm, continued the witt ness, Mrs. Conroy and he had driven to the nearest town, where he had left hen to return to one-Horse guloh as soon as they heard of Gabriel Conroy's arrest. l But the vigflantes had made their unsuo- ' cessful attempt to lynch the prisoner and | he decided to wait. When Gabriel gave himself up he had hunted for witnessed who could swear that the knife found in the breast of Ramirez had been bought | by that person himself in San Francisco. The jury had been vastly entertained by l Gabriers weird story. Therefore the new witness found ready relief. The prosecu- | ton, however, stuck bravely to its guns.
 Why did not the prisoners deeply anx- ious wife, who fled with you and thus l preeipitated the arrest of her husband l why did she not return with you to clear him of suspicion9" asked the district at- | torney
 It might have been a good card had 1t not been for the answer. But that answer l carried the simple, rough men of the jury l irresstibly along in favor of the prisoner, l though 1t had absoluely nothing to do 1 with the case.
 1 The answer was that Mrs. Conroy could not appear in court because there was a little baby waiting for It's father | to be freed and come to 1t. 'I must go to Mrs. Conroy," said l Gabriel quarter of an hour later, ignor- l ing the 1urymen and the judge and the l fellow citizens who were trying to con- l gratulate him on the verdict that had l liberated him thunderously. T must go l to see Julie. Thar's a baby-a pore, lit- 1 tie, helpless baby-only so long, I reck- l on," holding out one of his great fore | fingers.
 But there was to be more wonderful news for Gabriel. The Donna Dolores salvatierra had arrived in one-Horse l Gulch to attend the trial; and slowly it l dox An ba havvf hat beautiful woman was his lost sister. Grace. A
 Some weeks afterward Gabriel Conroy and his sister Olympia were sitting be- fore the old cabin. Gabriel was studying how much lumber he would need to build 1t up again. we've had good times here. Oily, you and me-" said he, looking at her lovingly.
 Two figures came slowly up the hill. } They were Arthur Poinsett and Grace Conroy.
 Permit me to introduce you to my wife" said Arthur Poinsett, holding to Graces hand.
 You aren't dressed much like bride," said the practical Oily.
 I've have been married seven years, Olympia" said the ouick-witted Arthur.
 Maybe" said Gabriel hesitatingly. after Grace had hung around his neck for a long, long while, you and yer hus- band will be willin' to make a prantln visit, forgivin and forgettin' like, to Mrs. Conroy and the baby-a pore little thing that, ye wouldn't believe. it MT. Poin- sett looks like meP'
 Poinsett turned to Grace, who had stepped aside with Olympia. '"When Dr. Devarges told me first about the silver" she was saying, The took stone out of tn. fire. It looked black and burnt like this" She picked up fragment of the crumbled chimney of the old cabin. ''I1e rubbed 1t hard on his blanket. so. and 1t began to shine and he said-'
 I've are going, Grace" said Poinsett. and the party went happily down the hill behind the great figure of Gabriel with his hair shining in the sun.
 Some weeks afterward Grace Poinsett received letter from her sister Olympia. It said: "The baby is doing well. And only think old Gabe the dear old mule. has struck 1t again. Don't you remem- Der how you rubbed rock from our old chimney when you told me about Dr. Devarges? Next morning Gabe came across it, all shining and sure enough, 1t was almost pure silver. And he pros- pected the old workings where he looked for gold so long and struck the lead and we're all rich again and coming to see you next year. That dear old Gabe is such a fooll Your loving sister.
 ''OLYMPA CONROY."
 Next Sundays One-Page Classic will be "A Dog of Flanders" by Ouida Qou- ise de la Ramee).
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