El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-09-06
The Herald's
Daily Short Story

I 81 the prisoner before he hatcheted
his motherinlaw.
The prisoner covered his face with
| his hands; his shoulders rocked. The
eyes of Ridge and Pott almost buIged
out of their heads with rage as they
watched the quivering form of the
laughing man. Such murderer ought
to be hanged ten times over
The jury retired to cOnsid er their
verdict. They were away a long time,
for the evidence had been conflicting,
but al last they filed back into court.
The prisoner was brought from the
cells. and for once showed some anxiety.
He leaned forward over the dock as
the foreman uttered the dread words:
Guilty, my lord"
Prisoner at the bar began the
judge lin voice that commanded re-
spect and a fearful, thrilling silence
You have heard the verdict. Have you
anything to say why Judgment should
not be passed upon you?"
The prisoner had drawn himself up
erect as a soldier. and he looked the
judge straight in the eyes. He opened
his lips to speak, but suddenly seemed
to be tickled by some exceedingly comic
idea, and bent double, rocking with
laughter
My lord-Tm very sorry, my lord
have something to. say. But 1 have
to apologize, my lord
Il should think So" muttered the
judge haughtily.
Il am sorry to have taken up the
time of the court, my lord. But, you
see, I'm not John Jones at ALL
There was a dead silence OF astonish-
ment for few Moments
Explain yourself" said the Judge.
IF you please. my lord. it's quite
correct. I know I'm like Jonn Jones.
but the people who have sworn to me
are quite wrong. John Jones is now a
wealthy cattle breeder in New South
Wales. and I'm his paid agent. My
name is Jack Brunton."
Yes, my lord. The man that the
police over here are looking for got
away>safe and sound, but he could never
rest for wanting TO prove his innocence.
He would have come over himself if
he hadn't met me, his double, so 10
speak; and II occurred to him to pay
me handsomely TO come and take his
place and stand his trial and see what
evidence the police could give, because
he wants to come home to the old place.
If what you say is not a fabrica-
tion." cried the Judge IN tones that pos
lively vibrated with outraged dignity,
you must bring witnesses to prove
your identity"
My witnesses are all here, my lord.
Annie, and there's Mr.. Lauder, the land
lord of the Bird in Hand in Market
Basset, where 1 was born, and where
l stayed for a week before coming to |
the Rose and Crown here. And, if
you like, my lord there's the barmaid
at the Bird in Hand who marked my
linen, the tabs of my boots. and the in |
side of my hat with John Jones's name |
l was plastered all over with It"
ThoSa all co. ri
of the sensation they created
The trial had broken down. The evil |
dence of the witnesses was undeniable. !
Brunton was removed from the |
court while the legal heads wagged to |
and frosin whispered consultation.
The prisoner was laughing to himself |
and slapping his knee in the cell when |
the warder came to bring him back !
into court. But the sternness of all /
the faces and the red anger of the Judge /
sobered him little as he mounted the
steps of the dock.
Il have sent for you to nave you
brought up for sentence said the Judge
sOlemnly.
"Eh, What!'
''For sentence repeated the Judge !,
with emphasis. The trick you have
played upon the court constitutes n Sc
-ious breach of the law. I am going
to commit you for contempt. Nine
months with hard laFor."
Nine monthsr gasped the prisoner
With asnen face.
"Ohr'
Jack Brunton laughed no more. The
Judge nodded to the warders and waved
lis hand towards the prisoners exit.
Come on" they said. as they laid
heir hands on the prisoners shoulders.
The prisoner wept.