The Washburn leader., 1913-03-28
A PETTY
TYRANT
By MARGARET BARR

In Italy they celebrate the anniver-
sary Of the evacuation Of the country
by the Austrians much as we Ameri-
cans celebrate the Fourth Of July.
On one Of these anniversaries two
ladies' were walking on street in
Milan. They were Austrian tourists Of
high degree. one Of them the Countess
Omega. Being citizens of that empire
which had lost its bold on Italy, 1t is
not to be expected that they would feel
any sympathy with the celebration.
While passing some persons who
were firing explosives man set on
pack of frecrackers, several Of which
snapped on to the countess dress, burn
ing holes 10 1t. She was in no mood
for such a misfortune and resolved on
being revenged on the Italian who had
occasioned it. Calling on u policeman.
she showed him the damage that had
been done. pointed to the perpetrator
and demanded his arrest. that she
might recover demages. The policeman
agreed to do her bidding II she would
accompany them. She consented. and
the three went to the station. which
happened to be only block away.
The officer In charge suggested that
since the Judge before whom the case
would be tried was then holding court
and the Indies desired to leave Milan
the next morning they 20 at once be-
fore him and see II they could not get
1t disposed Of without delay. This
pleased the irate countess. and they
went to the courtroom.
Now. gentleman who had been
walking the streets enjoying the cele-
bration had witnessed the accident and
followed the parties first to the police
station and thence to the courtroom.
There he listened with marked atten-
ton to the proceedings. The lady
claimed that the dress was worth 1000
Ira. or $500. She had bought 1t in
Milan only the day before and sum-
m0ned the merchant who sold 1t to her
to bear witness to the price paid. This
established her claim. and. as to the
man who had burned 1t. he confessed
that be had done SO. but accidentally.
The Judge ordered him to pay for the
dress. but he said that he was u work
man and without any means whatso-
ever.
He offered to bind himself to pay
by installmepts. but the lady. who was
revengeful rather than needy. declined
to accept such terms. The Judge there
upon said that In default Of payment
and costs the poor fellow must 60 to
jail until he could raise the money.
"Then." said the man. II shall have
to remain in jail. for there is no pos
sible way in which can raise such
sum except by working for 1t. and I
need all I can earn to support myself
and my family" .,...,,g..
The Judge endeavored to persuade
the lady to be lenient but she declared
that the man could pay II he would.
and she would make no compromise.
I'm that case" said the Judge. II
have no discretion in the matter but to
send the man to JAIL
At this point the gentleman who had
followed the party stepped forward
and said to the Judge. II will pay the
lady the. 1000 Ira she paid for the
dress. but in that case 1t will be mine.
will 1t not?'
The Judge ruled that It would. The
lady. whose ire had had time to cool.
seemed willing to accept the solution.
and the stranger. taking out a pocket
book. handed her the money and paid
the costs. Then he said:
Judge. know who this lady IL, for
! have met her at court 10 Vienna.
though she does not remember me.
Her ire at the man who unintention-
ally burned her dress was occasioned
by the fact that our people are today
celebrating the expulsion Of our for
mer masters. her countrymen. She has
treated the unfortunate man with great
rigor. and ! propose to be equally ex-
acting. The dress she wears is mine.
and I demand 1t Immediately"
The countess. somewhat abashed at
this speech. said that she would de-
liver the dress as soon as she could go
to the hotel and replace It with anoth-
cr one.
"You refused" said the stranger, ''to
give this man time. and refuse to
give you time. demand my prop
erty."
The lady looked at the Judge to
learn II he would support that demand.
The Judge had already recognized tho
stranger and with great Difference to-
him said that be had right to compel
the immediate delivery Of his prop
erty.
'What!" exclaimed the countess. 'Do
you mean to force me to disrobs
here?''
"You showed no mercy" replied tho
purchaser. "and ! will show you
none.''
.'And II I refuse your insolent de-
mandT' she asked. looking again at tho
Judge.
81 shall send you to jail.' replied the
latter.
There was knot that only the pur-
chaser could cut. He did It BY making
the lady an offer Of her dress for $500
hFa. Since she must either accept Il or
appear in public without It she an