Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1912-08-15

glance. NO" he replied, firmly, we
have made our case with Mr.. Pine"
Pop" smiled, shook his head ct
Bella and called Dan Welcome.
The noisy courtroom, camping on
sofas from which springs protruded;
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,
whose red-brown hair ran in crinkly
confusion from a good forehead.
How about it, DAM" asked Pop
Slear, conversationally. Go back a
ways, so the jury Will understand"
Il guess folks know | don't fight
women" began Welcome Least OF
all, Bella Soule. I've liked her since
we We're kids. We were engaged till
this Pine came here six months ago.
Bella's uncle got stuck on him be-
cause he wears a white shirt week.
days. He thought l wasn't good
enough because | drive team. lie
lied about me to her-yes, you did,
SAM" addressing his remarks to the
black-browed uncle, who had growled
in dissent.
HE wouldn't let me come to the
house to see her, or anything. II
made me sore, and got to drinking
l amt denying nothing.
Last Friday night I'd had a few
but was goin' home till l met EN-
This Pine says: There's the drunk
ard now
whats that?' I says, stopping.
81 said you was a drunkard,' he
says.
II took a punch at him and missed
and then"-his voice dripped scorn-
"just as | made another swing he
pulls Bella In front of him. l couldn',
stop, though 1 tried to, and struck
her in the eye"
Dams testimony was interrupted by
buzz of angry condemnation from
the courtroom. Pine made himself
small in his chair. All his com
placency was gone and he looked fur.
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 hap.
peEed," she agreed instantly. You
didn't mean to do 1t. l wouldn't let
him go home with me afterward, he
was such a coward. And l didn't
want you arrested, but"
But your uncle swore out the war.
here today. Yes, you did," He turned
on Sam Nader with such sudden
fierceness that the latter quailed de.
spite his bullying air.
This is all irregular, Tole-your
honor" interrupted Bunty. The girl
hasn't been sworn"
But she told the truth" retorted
the court. Prisoners discharged;
amt he, boys?"
You bet" responded the jury.
heartily.
Say, Vane!" screamed the frantic
Bunty, Il protest against this fool
ing! You can't coerce the jury"
The court turned on him the
crushing phrase he had heard a city
lawyer use: Jaw, forget it,"
Bella! Aunt Sue" Dan master
fully ushered the girl and her aunt
into Vanes private Office and shut
the door. He addressed his remarks
to both of them: Let's start all
over. This Pine amt no good; you
know that Bella. Let's get married
right now. Oh, know it's sudden,
but there's no use waiting. I'll be
good to you. You know always was
before they broke US up. I'll quit the
booze I don't care for it-only had
to do something.
Here's the license; I've carried Il
ever since last summer. Old Tolell
marry us right here. VIII you? Say
yes, deary." He took the girls hands
gently and drew her into his arms.
Something strong and brave came
into Mrs. Madder's face. Say it,
lamb; say it, she whispered. And
then she opened the door to the thin
ming courtroom.
"Jedge Tole, come in here. And you,
too, Sam Nader. Act white, for
once, and be a witness at your niece's
weddin'."
Nader recognized rare tone in
his wife's voice, one that brooked no
cavil or delay. Bewildered, but
obedient, he came.