The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-22
THE EVENING STORY
Dams Day in Court.

the male population that was not
working-most of it should have been
crowded the fount of justice. The
aforesaid fount was also 4 second
hand store, SO there were plenty of
seats.
Any case would have attracted a
crowd, for 'lawin - was recognized
form of amusement in the sleepy little
town. But this was exceptionally in
rteresting. Dan Welcome was to be
tried for assault and battery. 1t was
alleged that he had, with force and
arms. struck Bella Soule in the face.
bruising and discoloring her.
Most of those who gathered for the
trial did not believe Dan was guilty.
He had his faults, but he was not the
body knew how much he cared for
pretty Bella. They had been sweet
hearts since childhood until Arthur
Pine. aided and abetted by some of
Bella's relatives, had come between
them.
IF it was Pine. now" they said.
wagging unshaven chins. but not
Dan. NO, sir
1t o'clock the gavel of ''Jedge
Tole,' as he was Familiarity known,
fell with bang. Court was opened. A
jury of six men was speedily secured.
"Bunty" Shinn, who was second as
sistant prosecuting attorney because
| his uncle happened to be prosecuting
weak little face and called the first
witness, Arthur S. Pine.
Pine had an advantage over nearly
| everyone present AS shipping clerk
at the furniture factory he had a job
where he could wear a white collar
every day.
Tell the jury just what occurred
the night of the trouble, Mr.. Pine
| directed Shinn.
Pine crossed his long legs. He
smoothed with both hands the lank
hair which, parted in the middle, ov-
erhung each low eyebrow. looked
complacently about at the audience,
and began:
''Well-ah, last Friday night it was
I was escortin Miss Soule home from
the picture show. It was about 9
o'clock when we met this here Wei
come up near Doc Smiths. 1t was
snowin' pretty hard and 1 didn't recog-
nize him till he was right on US. His
breath smelt a lot of liquor. Well ain,
he blocked the sidewalk SOS we
couldn't get past. An he sWore real
ugly at us.
please let us by I says, as polite !
9 Now git by an take that with
youi he says. and strikes Miss Soule |
right in the face
well, all, no gent'man couldn't /
stand that. specially as she screamed, |
so [ punished this here Dan Welcome"
What did YOU do. Artie ?" Pop"
Slear asked the question. He was Dan
Welcomes lawyer. a gray 'whiskered,
baby-faced old party, with a silky
voice, a caressing manner and a
wickedly- geared mind that worked
like steel trap.
To be called "Artie" by a man who
in everyday life ignored his very ex-
istence. disconnected Pine.
ell-ah-why-ah, I broke Miss
Soule's umbrella over his head and
knocked him down. When he got up
[ knocked him down again. Then he
run away"
The spectacle this story conjured
up was so unusual that even Bunty
Shinn laughed, and stalwart Dams
grim face relaxed in a brief smile.
Don't see no marks on him, Artie,''
at Dan with exaggerated interest.
With a dozen words he had turned the
case from near-tragedy to farce.
'Well-ah. I had my gloves on"
explained the flustered Pine. At
nod from Bunty he hastily stepped out
of the witness seat.
That's our case, your honor" an
nounced Shinn
'Ain't you goin to swear Miss
Soule?" queried Slear. blandly. He
nodded to where the complainant sat
bet-een her bulldozng uncle and her
thin, harried looking aunt.
Heretofore the girl had hidden the
of her face beneath her I
handkerchief. Now she gripped the {
arms of her chair Indignantly, her ]
hurt forgotten A slow flush rose in ;
her cheeks. She faced Shinn as If
awaiting the summons.
But the peoples lawyer avoided her ,
glance. NO" he replied, firmly, I'VE {
have made our case with Mr.. Pine"
Pop" smiled, shook his head at t
Bella and called Dan Welcome.
The noisy courtroom, camping on
sofas from which springs protruded 8
on wobbly chairs and uncomfortable /
piano stools, paid the prisoner the
tribute of profound silence as he
strobe to the witness box. He was |
a broad-shouldered young fellow,
confusion from good forehead f
How about it, DAMP asked Pop
Slear, conversationally. GO back a t
ways, so the jury will understand"
Il guess folks know L don't fight t
began Welcome. Least of
all. Bella Soule. I've liked her since Y
we were kids. We were engaged till c
this Pine came here six months ago.
Bells uncle got stuck on him because I
he wears a white shirt weekdays. He Il
thought I wasn't good enough be-
cause drive team. He lied about r
ne to her-yes, you did, Sam" ad
proved uncle, who had growled in is
dissent.
HE wouldn't let me come to the 81
house to see her. or anything It
made me sore, end I got to drinking.
amt denying nothing. s.
Last Friday night I'd had few,
out was goin home till I met EN-
This Pine says: There's the drunk Io
lrd now
What's that?' I says, stopping.
g I said you was a drunkard,' he
avs.
Il took a punch at him and missed,
nd then"=his voice dripped scorn=; h,
just as l made another swing he
,ulls Bella in front of him. I couldn't m