The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-05-30
Marshal Arrested Topeka Law
yer in Insurance Case.
He "Seen Him Do IT. and Or
dinance Was Cracked.
M'DERMOTT TALKED HARD
Persuaded Marshal Statute Was
Not Legally Passed.
Then Left Before That Official
Changed His Mind.

George McDermott, a well known
young Topeka lawyer was ''pinched"
by the town marshal of Durham re-
Gently because he was on the wrong
side of a lawsuit. 1t was only because
MCDermott could out talk the wearer
of the big nickel-plated badge and put
over his argument in a moro conVlnc-
ing manner that the lawyer did not
spend the night in the town donjon.
In the little town of Durham, Marion
county, a rather modest, highly re-
spected citizen died recently. he car
ried a lump of insurance and the in
strance company sent McDermott 10
investigate the mans death. Numerous
dispositions were taken in the course o.:
the day. Apparently the good people
of Durham didn't appreciate an in
Quiry into the death of one of its per-
fectly upright and respectable citizens.
But McDermott went right on investi-
eating.
At the hotel that night the lawyer
learned he could catch a through
freight train at 10 o'clock and make
better connections for Topeka. So Nc
Dermott took his suitcase in hand and
stood on the depot platform to catch
the train. He caught the train all
right, but lost his grip in the effort.
Then he left the train to hunt his grip
and sauntered back to the hotel, say
ing things about train service in coun-
try towns generally.
He had just retired when there was
knock on the door. McDermott told
the visitor to come in and hunted a
match to light the oil lamp. 1t was
the town marshal-very dignified and
with an authoritative walk that
couldn't be overlooked.
Young Teller" said the marshal. 70
McDermott, we're under arrest; come
with me-"
What? How's that?' asked the law
yer, as he scratched his head to learn If
he was dreaming or had really fractured
few pieces of sacred statutes. What am
I arrested for?''
Now, none of you city guys need get
cute with me, y-understand,' quoth the
Durham consta bulary, as he rose to his
full six feet and expanded his chest. MAX
I'm not town marshal here just for fun
no stree. So come along"
His Onense Made known.
McDermitt wanted to parley. He insisted
on asking a few questions, but the village
policeman preferred to give information
when his prisoner was behind the bars
Finally he consented to talk the matter
over.
Seeing as how you insist on knowing
said the marshal, Il guess 1 don't mind
telling We. We got an ordinance against
boarding moving trains inside the city
limits, so We have. I seen you do it and
you don't need to deny it. So come on
and the marshal started for the door,
If the lawyer had been asleep when the
marshal arrived, he was awake now.
Hold on minute man., said Nc
Dermitt, who began to think of a night
in a hen coop of country jail which had
real iron rods for windows. THAT or6li-
mace isn't legal. You can't arrest me on
that
''Ain't. eh?" said the marshal, who
shrunk two inches in stature as he said
it, well didn't the city council of this
here town pass it? Amt legal? Why,
Teller, got a copy of it right here in me
pocket" and the village policeman began