Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-03-22
BY VAUGHAN KESTER
Copyright, 1912, The Bobbs. Merrill. c Ompany.

The judge turned to the woman She
had once been a servant in his house
hold, but had quilted his employ to
marry Joe Montgomery. and to be-
come by that same act Mr. Shrimp
Inns sister-in-law. The judge knew
that her domestic life had been filled
with every known variety of trouble,
since from time to time she had APP
pealed to him for help or advice, and
on more than one occasion, at her
urgent request, he had interviewed
the bibulous Joe.
Il hope you arc not in trouble,
Nellie" he said, not unitindly.
Yes, am, judge cried his visitor
in a voice worn thin by WEAKNESS.
TITS that disgustin' joe" inter
jected Mr.. Shrimplin from his corner,
advancing his hooked nose from the
shadows. Don't take up the judges
time, Nellie; times money, and
moneys as infreouent as white
crow"
And then suddenly and painfully
conscious of his verbal forwardness,
the little lamplighter sank back into
the grateful gloom of his corner and
was mute.
IT'S my man, judge said Nellie.
And the judge nodded comprehend
ingly.
II DOM know how me and my
children are to live through the win
ter, declare l don't, judge. unless he
gives me little help!"
And the winter amt fairly. here
yet, and it's got a long belly when
it does comet said Mr.. Shrimpln.
Immediately the little man was
conscious of the improperly Of his
language. He realized that the happy
and forcefully expressed philosophy
with which he sought to open Gus
ter's mind to the practical truths OF
life was q EARRING note in the judges
library.
"Joe's acting scandalous, judge, just
scandalous." said Nellie with sudden
shrill energy, "rhat man would take
the soul out of a saint with his
carvings on"
1T seems to me there is nothing
new in this" observed the Judge a
little impatiently. ''Is he under ar
rest?''
mo. judge, he amt under arrest
began Nellie.
which amt saying he hadn't
ought to bet the little lamplighter
snorted savagely. He suddenly re-
membered he was there to give his
moral support to his sister in-law.
"That mans got new streak into
him, judge | though he'd about done
everything he could do that he
shouldn't, but he's broke out in a
fresh spot"
What has he been doing, Nellie?
asked the judge, who felt that his
callers had so far lacked in direct
ness and deflniteness.
What amt he been doing, you'd
better say, judge" cried Nellie mis-
erably.
rs he abusing you or the chill
dren?"
81 don't see him from one week 5
end to another
Am I TO understand that he has
deserted you?" questioned the judge.
mo, I can't say that. for he sends
his clothes home FOR me to wash and
mend"
"Ain't that the human sufferin'
limit ?n gasped Mr. Shrimplin.
81 suppose you wash and mend
them?'' And the judge smiled family.
"Of course admitted Mrs. Mont
gomery simply.
Does he contribute anything to-
ward your support" asked the judge.
Theswoman laughed sarcastically at
this.
ut takes barkeeper to pry Joe
loose from his coin,'' interjeeted Mr..
Shrimplin. Get down to details, Nell
lie, and tell the judge what kind Of a
critter you're hitched up to-"
HE told Arthur, that's my oldest
boy. II I didn't stop bothering him,
that he was just man enough to pay
five dollars for the fun of knocking
the front off my facet
"That was. choice one to hand out
TO an eldest son. wasn't it. your
honor?" said the little lamplighter.
Juggling st his fiaxen moustache.
81 just manage to keep roof over
our. heads went on Nellie, land
without any thanks to hin,;- but he
has plenty Of money and where T
comes from I'd like 70 know. for he