The Detroit times., 1911-10-05
The Prodigal Judge
VAUGHAN KESTER

BY :

hour or need. Even Uncle sammy,
who had not been on the Hill In years.
announced that no consideration OF
fatigue would keep him away. from the
scene OF action, and Yancy loaned him
his mule and cart for the occasion.
Yancy led the struggling procession.
with the boy trotting by his side. his
little sunburned fist clasped In the
mans great hand.
The sQuire's court held Its infre-
quent sittings In the best room OF the
Balaam homestead, a double cabin OF
hewn logs. Here Scratch Hill was
gratined with a view of Mr.. Blonnts
battered visage.
What's all this here fuss between
you and Bob Yancy? demanded the
squire when he had administered the
oath TO Blount. Mr.. Blount's state
ment was brief and very much to the
point.
He done give me the order from
the Judge OF the co't--I was TO show
II TO Bob Yancy--"
Got that order?" demanded the
squire sharply. With a smile. dam
aged. but clearly smile, Blount pro-
duced the order. "Hmm-appinted
guardeen OF the boy" the squire was
presently heard TO murmur. The
crowded room was very still now, and
more than one pair OF eyes were
turned pityingly In Yancy's direction.
When the long arm OF the law reached
out from Fayetteville. where there
was a real Judge and a real sheriff,
IL clothed itself with terrors.
We'll, Mr.. Blount. what did you do
uyff nwIn
squire.
Il showed Yancy the order"
You lie, Dave Blount; you didn't"
said Yancy. But can't say as 1t
would have made no difference,
Squire. He'd have taken his licking
just the same and I'd have had my
nevvy out of that buggy"
Didn't he say nothing about this
here order from the cot. Bob"
There want much conversation,
Squire. invited my nevvy to light
down. and then l snaked Dave Blount
out over the wheel"
who struck the first blown
He did. He struck at me with his
buggy whip"
Squire Balaam removed his spec
tacles and leaned back In his chit.
Its the pinion Of this here cot
that the whole question or assault
rests on whether Bob Yancy saw the
order. Bob Yancy swears he didn't
see II, while Dave Blount swears he
showed II TO him. II Bob Yancy didn't
know of the existence of the order he
was cleverly actin on the idea that
Blount was stealing his nevvy, and he
done what any one would have done
under the circumstances. II, on the
other hand, he knowed OF this order
from the cot, he was not only guilty
of assault. but he was guilty OF re-
sistin' an officer OF the cot" The
squire paused impressively. His
audience drew long breath.
Can body drap word here" II
was Uncle Sammy's thin voice that
cut into the silence.
Certainly, Uncle Sammy. This
here cot will always admire to listen
to YOU"
We'll. I'd like to say that consider
that Fayetteville cot mighty oficious
with Its orders. This part OF the
county won't take nothin' on Fayetts-
Vile. We don't interfere with Fay
etteville, and blamed II we'll let
Fayetteville interfere with us!" There
was murmur OF approval. Scratch
Hill remembered the rifles In its
hands and took comfort.
The Fayetteville cot air q higher
cot than this, Uncle Sammy" ex-
planned the squire indulgently.
I'm aweer OF that" snapped the
patriarch. I've seen hits steeple."
Air you finished, Uncle Sammy"
asked the squire deferentially.
Il low l am. But l low that II
this here case is goin' agin Bob
Yancy I'd recommend him to 60 home
and not listen to no mo- foolishness."
Mr.. Yancy will oblige this cot by
setting still while I finish this case"
said the squire with dignity Mr..
Yancy has sworn to one thing, Mr..
Blount TO another. Now the Yancys
air an old family In these parts: Mr..
Blount's folks air strangers Conse-
qnently," pursued the squire, some
what vindictively. I'VE Amt had any
time In which to form an opinion OF
the Blounts; but for myself I'm
suspicious Of folks that keep movin'
about and who don't seem able to get
located permanent nowheres, who air
here today and away tomorrow. But
you can't say that of the Yancys.
They air an old family In ire country,
and naturally this cot feels Obliged
to accept a Yancy's word before the
word OF a stranger. And, In view OF
the fact that the defendant did not
seek litigation, but was perfectly
satisfied to let matters rest where
they was, Il is right and just that ali
costs should fall on the plaintiff"