Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-11-04

protest" he repeated vigorously,
pride Of race forbids that ! should
be a party to- the degradation OF fthe
best Of civilization! Is your jail to be
christened to its high office by a mig
ger? Is this to be the laws apothei-
sis? No. sir! No Niger Is worthy
the honor of being the first prisoner
here" This was new and striking
idea. The crowd regarded the Judge
admiringly. Certainly here was q
man of refined feeling.
"That's just the way feel about 1t, !"
said the sheriff. IF I'd although
there was any call for him wouldn't
have let him go fishing, I'd have kept
him about"
ooh, let the Niger flsh-he has
powerful luck What's he usin',
sheriff; worms or minnies?"
Worms" said the sheriff shortly.
Presently the crowd drifted away
in the direction of the tavern. Hann1-
bal meantime had gone down to the
river. He haunted it's banks as though
he expected to see his Uncle Bob APP
pear any moment. The Judge and Ma
haffy had mingled with the others in
the hope of free drinks, but in this
hope there lurked the germ OF bitter
disappointment There was plenty OF
drinking, but they were not invited to
| Join In this pleasing rite, and after q
period of great mental anguish Ma
Ihaffy parted with the last stray coin
in the pocket of his respectable black
trousers, and while his flask was being
filed the Judge INDUCED In certain
winsome gallantries with the fat
landlady. " - ~
ia, Judge Price. how. you do run
on /! . she said with coquettish toss
of her curls. s. +. !.
"That's the charm of you, ma am, "
said the Judge. He leaned across the
bar and, sinking his voice to husky
whisper, asked, would it be perfectly
convenient for you to extend me a
limited credit"
"Now, Judge Price, you know heap
better than to ask me that" she an
swered, shaking her head.
mo offense, ma'am," said the judge,
hiding his disappointment and with
Mahaffy he quilted the bar.
"Why don't you marry the old girl?
You could drink yourself to death In
six months" said Mahaffy. THAT
would be a speculation worth while
and while you live you could fondle
those curls!"
-"Maybe I'll be forced to 1t yet" re-
sponded the Judge with gloomy
pessimism. "
With the filling of. Mahaffy's flask the
important event of the day was past,
and both knew it was likely to retain
its prominence for a terrible and In
definite period; a thought that en-
richei their thirst as it increased their
gravity while they were traversfng the
stretch of dusty road that lay between
the tavern and the judges shanty.
When they had settled themselves in
their chairs before the door, Mahaffy
who was notably jealous OF his privl-
1leges, drew the cork from the flask and
took the first pull at it's contents. The
Judge counted the swallows as register
ed BY that useful portion of Mahaffy' 8
anatomy known as his Adams apple.
After q GREATNESS interval, Mahaffy
detached himself from the flask and
ciyilly passing the cuff Of his coat about
its neck, handed 1t over to the judge.
In the unbroken silence that succeeded
the flask passed swiftly from hand to
hand, at length Mahaffy held it up to
the light. It was two-thirds empty,
and sigh stole from between his thin
lips. The judge reached out tremu-
lous hand. He was only too familiar
with his friends distressing peculiar1-
ties. 35@& s<
"Not yeti" he begged thickly.
| why not?' demanded Mahatfy
fiercely. is It your liquor or mine?"
He quilted his chair and stalked to the
we'll where he filled the flask with
water. Infinitely disguised, the Judge
watched the sacrilege. Mahaffy re-
sumed his chair and again the flask
went its rounds.
ut amt 80 bad" said the Judge after
( time, but with q noticeable lack OF
enthusiasm.
Were you in shape to put anything
better than water into it, Mr.. Price?''
The Judge WINGED. He always WINGED
at that "Mr."
"Well, I wouldn't serve myself such
| trick as that" he said with decision.
! when I take liquor, It's one thing;
and when I want water, it's another
ut is, indeed" agreed Mahaffy.
II drink as much clear water as is
good for a man of my constitution,
said the Judge combatively. my
talents are wasted here" he resumed,
after a little pause. I've brought them
: the, blessings of the law, but what does
Fit signify!" 1,.x
| "Why did you ever come here?" Ma.
haffy spoke sharply.
| 81 might ask the same question of
you, and in the same offensive Tone
said the judge.
! MAY ask, not wishing to take a
liberty, were you always the same old
pauper you've been since I've known
your" inquired Mahaffy. The judge
maintained a stony silence.
The heat deepened in the heart OF
the afternoon. The sun, ball Of fire
slipped back of the tree-tops. Thick
shadows stole across the stretch OF
dusty road. Off in the distance there