The Semi-weekly leader., 1912-01-24


'WeIl-ah. 1 had my gloves on. ex-
planned the fustered Pine. At NOD
from Bunty be hastily stepped out OF
the witness seat.
That's our case. your honor" an
nounced Shinn.
Soule?" queried SIear. blandly. he
nodded to where tire complainant sat
between her bulldozing uncle and her
thin, harrfed-loolSing aunt.
Heretofore the girl had hidden the
discoloration OF her face beneath her
handkerchief Now she gripped the
arms OF her chair Indignantly. her
hurt forgotten. A SLOW flush rose In
her cheeks She faced Shinn as n
awaiting the summons.
But the peoples lawyer avoided ner
glance. mo" he replied. firmly. I'VE
have made our case with Mr.. Pine"
Pop" smiled. shook his head at
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
strode to the witness box.
How about it. Dan?" asked Pop"
Slear. conversationaIly go back q
ways. SO the jury will understand.
Il guess folks know don't tight
women." began Welcome. Least OF
all. Bella Soule I've liked her since
we were kids. We were engaged till
this Pine came here six months ago.
BeIla's uncle got stuck on him be-
cause he wears white shirt week
days lie thought 1 wasn't good
enough because drive team. He
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 1t
made me sore, and got to drinking.
amt denying nothing.
Last Friday night I'd had few.
but was goin' home till 1 met 'em.
This Pine says: There's the drunk
ard now
whats that?' says. stopping.
i said you was drunkard. ne
says.
Il 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. couldn't
stop, though tried; TO, and l. struck
her in the eye"
Dams testimony was interrupted By
a buzz of angry condemnation from
the courtroom. Pine made himself
small in hfs chair All his COM
placency was gone and he looked FUR
lively toward the door.
Amt that right, Beliar. Dan ap-
peaied to the girl II was the first
word he had addressed to her In
months.
sFes. Dan. that's just what nap.
pened.T she agreed instantly. You
didn't mean to do It. 1 wouldn't let
him 80 home with me afterward. ne
was such coward. And didn't
want you arrested, but"
But your uncle swore out the war
rant against me and made you come
here today Yes. you didt% He turned
on Sam Madder with such sudden
fierceness that the latter quailed de-
spite his ballying 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. boysY'
''You bct!" responded the jury.
heartily.
Say. vans!" screamed the frantic
Bunty, Il protest against this fOOh
lngt You can't coerce the jury"
The court turned on him the
crushing phrase he had heard city
lawyer use: Jaw, forget IT,"
Bella Aupt Sue!" Dan master.
fully usnered tHR girl and her aunt
into vane,s private ONCE 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. IN be
| good to you. You know 1 always was
before they broke US up. III quit the
booze. don't care for it--Only had
| to do something.
Here's the license; I've carried u
ever since. last summer. Old ToIe'il
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 II.
lamb; say IT, she whispered. APO
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 witness at your niece's
weddIn'"
Madder recognized rare tone in
his wtfe's voice. one that brooked no
cavll or delay. Bewildered, bur
obedient. he came.