Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1910-10-07
Vol. 3S-No. IA

often from the face he studied to the
marshars badge upon the others
breast
"Yes, yes; you'll be all right" said
the old woman, patting his arm, 'if
you don't get to cuttin' up ag'in and
havin' folks shootin' at you. Son told
me about you, sir, while you was lay
In senseless on the floor. Don't you
take II as meddlesome fer an old wo-
man with a son as big as you to talk
about 1t. And you mustn't hold no
grudge ag'in my son for havin' to
shoot at you. A officer has got to take
up for the law-it's his duty-and them
that acts bad and lives wrong has to
suffer. Don't blame my son any, sir.
'Tain't his fault. He's always been a
good boy-goOd when he was CROWN
up and kind and 'bedient and well be-
haved. Won't you let me advise you,
sir, not to do so no more? Be a good
man and leave liquor alone and live
peaceably and godly."
The black mittened hand of the old
pleader gently touched the breast Of
the man she addressed. Very earnest
and candid her old, worn face looked.
In her rusty black dress and antique
bonnet she sat, near the close Of a
long life, and epitomized the expert
ence Of the world. Still the man to
whom she spoke gazed above her head,
contemplating the silent son of the old
mother.
what does the marshal sayT' he
asked. docs he believe the advice is
good? Suppose the marshal speaks up
and says If the talks all right?"
The tall man moved uneasily. He
fingered the badge on his breast for a
moment, and then he put an arm
around the old woman and drew her
close to him. "a
81 says this" he saids looking square
ly into the eyes of the other man, that
If was in your place I'd follow it. If
I was a drunken, desp'rate character,
without shame or hope, I'd follow it.
II I was in your place and you was
In mine I'd say: Marshal, Pm willin'
TO swear II you'll give me the chance
I'll quit the racket I'll drop the tan
glefoot and the gun play and won't
play boss no more. I'll be a good
citizen and go to work and quit my
foolishness. So help me Godp That's
what I'd say to you If you was mar
shal and l was in your place"
Hear my son talkin'," said the old
woman softly Hear him, sir. You
promise to be good and he won't do
you no harm. Forty-one year ago his
heart first beat ag'in mine, and it's
beat true ever since"
The other man rose to his feet, trying
his limbs and stretching his muscles.
"Then," said he, "if you was in my
| place and said that and l was mar
shall I'd say, Go free and do your best
to keep your promise
"Lawsy," exclaimed the old woman
in a sudden fiutter, "ef l didn't clear
forget that trunk of mine! see a
man settin' 1t on the platform jest as
seen sons face in the window, and
1t went plum out Of my head. There's
eight jars OF homemade ounce Jam
In that trunk that l made myself. I
wouldn't have nothin' happen to them
| Jars for a red apple"
Away to the door she trotted, spry
and anxious, and then Calliope Catesby
| spoke out to Buck Patterson:
II just couldn't help it, Buck. seen
her through the window a-comin' in.
She never had heard a word bout my
tough ways. didn't have the nerve to
let her know l was a worthless cuss
bein' hunted down by the community.
There you was lynn where my shot
laid you, like you was dead. The idea
struck me sudden, and just took your
badge off and fastened 1t on to myself
and | fastened my reputation on to you