Golden Valley chronicle. (Beach, Billings County, N.D.) 1905-1916, 1910-08-19

mO0tnS.
"At what date do you claim to have
married Frances HardmanT'
ITO answer that question shall
have to refer to papers that are not
now in my possession"
The Judge turned to Frances.
"Is this man your husband?"
II object" said Frances counsel. IL
desire time to confer with my client"
The objection was sustained. and the
lawyer. going over to Frances. con-
versed with her earnestly. but in whis.
pers.
"ls the man your husband?"
mot to my knowledge"
do you remember any marriage
ceremony, even in play, that has ever
been performed between you and any
one?"
mo"
"Have you any idea as to what is his
object in claiming you as his wife,"
mo"
The lawyer thought few moments,
then said:
Il think have an inkling Of what II
all means. He is fine looking young
fellow. isn't hep
Very"
lit may lie necessary for me to make
a bold stroke. or. rather. to follow up
what l believe is a bold stroke of his
own. If | ask you any question be-
fore the court answer in the affirma-
tive. Will you do 500"
my case is 10 your hands. will
act as you instruct"
VERY good. Now shall interview
the young man who claims to be your
husband"
Going to Hale. the lawyer asked him
his object in making claim he could
not substantiate Hale gave his rea-
sons
"Nho are you?'' asked the attorney.
II am Emery Hale. son Of Judge
Hale of the superior court"
1.-The deuce you are! know your
father we'll. have tried many case
before him.
The lawyer took out his watch.
Half past H." he said Something
must be done and done quickly. Leave
the rest of the matter to me and main
tain your claim"
Returning to the table on which was
spread out his books and papers, the
attorney called Emery Hale to the
witness stand.
You say" he said. that this wo-
man is your wffe?"
Il do"
"That will do. Call Frances Hard
man."
Frances took the stand. Most of her
color had left her face. and her bosom
was heaving unanimously.
"Your name?" asked the lawyer.
"Frances Hardman."
"Your age?"
II am twenty years old"
"Please take notice. your honor. that
my client is Of legal age" Then. turn.
ing to Frances again. he said. us this
man." pointing to Hale. your hus'
band?'
The blood rushed unanimously into
the girls face. She hesitated. cast q
glance at Hale. lowered her eyes tc
the 6oor and said in low voice:
HE is"
At this moment the object Of these
questions and answers got into thu
head of the opposing counsel. Jump
ing to his feet. he cried:
II object!
"You may sustain or refuse to sus
tain the objection. your honor. as 20,
like" said his opponent. ut makes nj
difference in this case. My client ha
complied with the conditions Of he
fathers will. She has been legal.
married to Emery Hale and Is nov
Frances Hardman Hale. do no
think your honor or any one else vii
deny that in accordance with the law
of the land when q man In presenc
of witnesses acknowledges woma
to he his wife and she acknowledge
him to he her husband they are maj
ried."
. The lawyer who objected threw hin
, self back in his chair With an execr,
ton. and his client. who by this tim
, was coming to understand what ha
, been done. w:ls muttering curses.
+ When the den0uement was understood
] by the spectators there was Il chez
) which the Judge found It difficult
} repress. and nothing would do but th'
: the bride aud groom should appe&
q side by side. when there was r
newal Of the uprOnr.
b The improvised marriage turned o,
a to be very happy one. showing tha
q whether we take years or minutes
T consider so important a step. we al
2 It'll in the hands Of fate.