Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-12-24

no children.
After ] learned from Mr. EnPe tina,
was preiudiced witness, without q
shred of evidence, that no court
would listen 10 hearsay. and that the
dying girls confession would not be
allowed in court except it we're made
under oath before a magistrate. Poor
/ Jenny would never have told any man
what happened at Spite House; she
I would not have given the last sane
moments OF her life 20 vengeance:
and so there was no case against eth.
/ er Brooke or Polly in a crime which
had earned them penal servitude.
Vengeance? / think our prayers to
/ gether did more good, and when the
4 time came for Jenny's removal to a
bed OF lint soaked in earbolic oil, she
was prepared TO face the coming pain.
Shall die?" she asked. could
only kiss her
Then" she said. even If it isn't
true. tell papa ! died game"
She was Canadian. and there is
! yalor in that blood
/ Before she was moved. Doctor
Saunderson. Of Clinton. had taken
/ charge. and since we lacked petroleum
enough for a bath, approved what We
had done. He used opiates, but the
pain, after frostbite is thawed, is
that which follows burning. On the
third day came exhaustion-and re-
/ lease.
| was obliged to give evidence at
the inquest, and my profession has
taught me quietness, restraint, sim
plicity. The coroner might talk law,
but | was dealing with men; it was my
business to make them cry. There was
no case against Brooke, but from that
time onward visitors to Spite House
were treated as lepers until they left
the country.
For the rest, would not be present
either at the funeral or at the public
meeting, or see the press man who
came up from Ashcroft. or discuss the
matter with any of my neighbors.
The theme was one dlstasteful to
any woman with claims to decency.
These things are not discussed. And
tionship with Jesse become a common
scandal, at least need not share the
conversation. To make a scene, to
discuss my affairs with strangers, to
seek public sympathy. we're things i'm
possible. Yet | heard enough. The
mattresses were gone from Spite
House. the constable was dismissed
from his position; the business of the
post-office and stage-line were trans
ferred to Mr. Eure's stopping place at
the falls. Brooke and Polly were left
alone, with no power. it seemed then,
for any further mischief
Until il actually happened, never
but perhaps from his point OF view the
event was piquant.
When | asked him to state his bust
ness, with ii large gesture he claimed
the visitors drink. 1t is an old Gus
tom. which broke.
You think I'm villain?"
/ made no comment.
i've come to thank you, ma'am. II
you'd pressed that girls case it might
have been well-awkward."
told him that had | known the
Jaw, should have done my best TO get
him penal seryitude for life.
That's straight" he answered in
diligently. you always were clear
grit, and that's why | want-well,
ma am" he lowered his eyes, I'm go
ing to confess. You don't mind?" he
added.
My eyes betrayed my one desire, es-
cape, but he stood in the doorway
leading 70 the house.
Your presence" said is distaste-
full. Please will you let me pSss?"
Not till I've set things straight"
Thete was no bell with which to
summon help, and | should have been
ashamed to make a scene.
Go on" said.
Il dunno how you feel, mum, about
life. I've been disappointed, starting
In with ideals, and there're gone. I'm
as straight as the world will let me.
without my going hungry"
Yes" Brooke sighed, I'm a disil-
lnsioned, disappointed man"
| had a curious sease that this actor
of life was trying to be real, and in
the attempt he posed
Not that | claim" he went on,
that Spite House is anyways holy.
It's not. OF course. a sporting and
gambling joint meets a demand. re-
grettable demand. a thing We both
abhor and would like to be shut OF
But since demand creates the supply,
let's have it in heightened style. not
run by thugs. That's what say"
His spacious benevolence seemed to
confer partnership. yet to be shocked
at my immoral tendencies.
However" he sighed. It's over. It's
done with. showed aside There was
money in It, but small money. and
we pass on. Old Taylcs may have
told you that as far back as Novem-
Der we decided, Mrs ST.. tn and me.
to run the house as frs lass resort
for tourists We boue' the Star
Pack.train from Taylor, md the old
cargador is making our new riggings."
This was news indeed,
"Of course pack-trains rs such are
out of date as Noahs ark, and we've
got to march with the procession.
You'll see in this prospc :tus," ha held
out paper. well. I'll read 1t. Let's
~-~--->-~--~~~---~-~~---~
TOAD GOOD FRIEND OF MAN