The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-01-13


Bella and called Dan Welcome.
The noisy courtroom. camping on
sofas from which springs protruded;
IN wobbly chairs and uncomfortable
piano stools, paid the prisoner the
tribute OF profound silence as ne
strobe to the witness box. he was
d-shouldered young fellow.
whose red-brown hair ran in crlnkly
confusion from a good forehead.
How about it, DAM asked Pop"
Slear, cOnversatiOnally. Go back
ways, so the jury will understand
Il guess folks know don't fight
women" began Welcome. Least OF
all. Rella Soule. I've liked her since
we were kids. We We're engaged till
this Pine came here six months ago.
Be.la's uncle got stuck on him be-
cause he wears white shirt week.
days. lie thought | wasn't good
enough because | drive team. lie
lied about me to her-yes, you did.
sam" addressing his remarks 10 the
black-browed uncle, who had growled
in dissent.
"lie wouldn't let me come TO tho
house to see her, or anything. IT
made me sore. and got to drinking.
| amt denying nothing.
Last Friday night Id had few,
but was eoin' home till | met EN-.
This Pine says: There's the drunk
ard now
"What's that says, stopping.
81 said you was Il drunkard, he
says.
II took a punch at him and missed
and then"-his voice dripped scofil-
"iust as | made another swing he
pulls Bella in front Of him. | colldn
stop, though | tried to, and ! struck
her in the eye.
Dams testimony was interrupted ny
a buzz OF angry condemnation IRON
the courtroom. Pine made hllnScil
small in his chair. All his com
placency was gone and he looked l'ir
4 lively toward the door
/ Amt that right, Bella" Dan ap
pealed to the girl. 1t was the first
word he had addressed to her In
months.
Yes, Dan, that's just what nap
ncned," she agreed instantly. "lo'
didn't mean to do it. ] wouldn't lie
him go home with me afterward. HI
was such a coward. And | didn
want you arrested, but"
but your uncle swore out the war
rant against me and made you come
here today. Yes. you did" He turned
on Sam Nader with such sudde'
fierceness that the latter quailed de
spite his bullying air.
This Is all irregular. Tole-you
honor" interrupted Bunty. THE CIR
hasn't been sworn"
But she told the truth" retorte'
the court prisoners discharged
amt he. boys!"
you bet" responded the jury
heartily.
Say. vane." screamed the franti
Bunty. Il protest against this foo
ing! You cant coerce the jury
The court turned on him tn
crushing phrase he had heard a cit
lawyer use: Jaw, forget it"
bella! Aunt Sue." Dan master
fully ushered the girl and her aun
into Vane's private office and shu
the door. He addressed his remark
to both of them: Lets start a
over. This Pine amt no good; 70
know that Bella. Let's get marie
right now. Oh, know it's suddel
but there's no use waiting. I'll b
good to you. You know always wa
before they broke us up. I'll quit IN
booze. | don't care for it-only ha
to do something.
Here's the license: I've carried
ever since last summer Old Tolc'
marry us right here. Will YOU? IA
ycs. dcary." He took the girls hand
gently and drew her into his arms.
Something strong and brave cam
| into Mrs. Maddcr's face. say |
lamb: say it," she whispered. An
, then she opened the door 10 the thu
ming courtroom.
, ledge Tole, come in here. And yo'
, too. Sam Madden. Act white. io
once, and be a witness at your niece
weddin'."
Nadder recognized a rare tone
his wife's voice. one that brooked n
cayil or delay HeWildered. bl