The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-05-26
A Case of Goose
Nv DONALD ALLEN


Neither did you. That goose had
as much right to the highway as you
have. was watching, and you didn't
turn out an inch"
Il am willing TO pay the value of the
goose" said Miss Mildred as she
opened her purse.
Very well, miss. My price is s50!"
What, What! Fifty dollars for
goose,"
. Dent you give him over so cents!"
put in coachee.
Fifty dollars. miss, and not cent
less!" said the farmer as he set his
jaw. Il don't set that value on him
simply as an old gander. but because
be has licked fox and a hawk In
fair fight. One night, when robber
was trying TO get into the house this
old gander gave the alarm. had only
to watch his actions TO tell the wealth
er three days in advance. oh, yes,
you viii have TO pay the $50, and am.
letting you of cheap at that"
But won't pay it," famed the girl,
1T is simply ridiculous. I'll pay q dol.
lar and no more"
Not another cent" added the coach
man.
Very well. am a constable, and /
arrest you both for malicious destruc7
ton of property. Drive to the village
and will have you arraigned in
COURT"
Whereupon he climbed up beside the
driver and gave the word to go on,
| Had he not declared himself an officer
he would have been pitched out. To
pitch an officer from a carriage on his
head into the highway is no joke in
| law. The coachman was glum, end
| the girl bit her handkerchief to keep
| back the words of sass" that rose to
/ her lips. and the remainder OF the
drive was not enjoyed by anyone.
On arriving in the village the car.
riage was driven straight to the Office
OF a justice OF the peace. and Miss Mil.
dred's feelings passed from indigna-
ton to fear.
Just how the briefiess young lawyer
happened to be In the village need not
be explained, but he was there and
saw the carriage and came TO know
what had happened. After ten min
utes talk with the coachman he en-.
tered the courtroom to nod to the girl
prisoner, and TO inform the justice
that he was her counsel in the case
Then and there occurred an episode,
The prisoners were arraigned, and the
Lawyer Chester drew long breath
and prepared to do or die.
The killing of the old gander was
admitted. II was admitted that he was
the property of the plaintiff. II was
further admitted that he had a lega
right on the kings highway, but there
was the question OF value. Even In
the city of New York, at Thanksgiving
or Christmas time. a tough old gandel
was not worth over a dollar In the
market That sum had been Offered
the owner and rejected.
Fifty dollars for "A goose? Whoever
heard of the like? The cackling o
geese saved Rome. but not one Of tn,
flock brought over two dollars after
wards Malicious destruction OF COOS,
life? Why. his clients were not awar,
that such a gander was In existence
That gander had fought hawk and
fox. but II was that same belligeren
spirit that had brought about hi
death. lie was more of a menace 4
the highway than the carriage.
Mr.. Chester spoke for an hour. II
waved his arms. lie Numbered. II
quoted decisions. lie appealed. II
won his case and went over to the gil
smiling.
Just like my uncle!" she laughed.
Yes. this is my first case. and 1t
d about goose"
G And your next. let us hope"
viii be about a young lady. and
d feel that ! shall win that"
r Miss Mildred blushed and turne
: away. The case may not be called 70
e some little time yet. but Mr.. Cheste
" has confidence in the plea he has pr,
G pared.