Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1914-04-23

OF THIS crowd, L suppose, cOnsiueroO
an opportunity of speaking on this
occasion, whether truth or an An-
truth, real honor, for, when ques-
toned by the squire. they all con-
frmed the miserable lie.
"That settles it," said the squire.
"But," protested l, 'you have not
heard my side OF tif,e Question. +"
81 have no need to-" answered the
bull-headed old man. "The evidence
of those citizens has proved that you
are guilty. You will be confined in
the town lookup until the results of
that woman's injuries have been def
nitely determined. Officers, take
him there at once"
Out of the Office was marched,
and headed directly for the Lookup.
Imagine my feelings as l caught
sight of that dingy old lookup in
which | was to be confined.
Just then | saw an auto approach
ing at break-ncck speed. 'If that
fellow don't slow up" said one Of the
officers, "Ill pull him in"
But the car made decided de-
crease in speed, and the next instant
halted at our side.
"Wherc are you taking that man ?"
a woman occupant asked Of the Off
GERS.
[ Immediately recognized her by
! the death-like face which | had last
seen lying before me in the DOORWAY
Nof her home.
Taking him to jail" replied the
officer.
What for?" asked the woman, in
an excited tone, as she now raised
herself from reclining position to
an erect posture.
"Now don't get excited" said the
man sitting beside her, who evidently
was physician, ~better sit back and
rest"
But, officer" she continued, "you
have not answered my question"
What" cried the officer. Don't
you know this man? We are taking
him to the lookup for attacking you." 4"
Me? Attacking me% she ex-
claimed. "That man is innocent.
Please take him back to the squire.
| will go with you and show YOU
your mistake"
Those words, to me, were like a
message from heaven. The officers
hesitated, but the physician insisted
on their going, and, upon the request
OF the chauffeur, we three seated our
selves in the auto and whirled back
to the squire's Office. The idea of
coming before this squire again was
not favorable one. to me, for, after
the outrageous decision he had Just
given, | did not know but that
might receive worse treatment at his
hands this time.
When we reached the squire's the
crowd of half-hour before had
gone. and everything was quiet. The
doctor, Mrs. Harris, two officers and
myself entered the office.
II am sorry TO trouble you," said
the woman, addressing the squire.
Il am Mrs. Harris, the woman
whom this man has been accused of
assaulting. and | desire to prove his
innocence"
"Mrs. Harris" said the squire,
can you account for your condi-
ton ?"
eyes, sir" she replied. 81 did
not hear this man ring the bell, |
opened the door by chance, and the
unexpected sight of him caused me
to fall to the floor in fright"
"Didn't he strike you ?" asked the
squire.
NO. sir" answered the woman.
"Well, then" he continued, "ac-
count for that cash on your forehead
and the stick that lay beside you"
She explained thus: while fall
ing, was still conscious. and re-
member my head striking the hall
rack, causing this cash, and the stick
on the floor was dropped there by
my little son. who had been playing
horse"
Mister said the squire, you are
! innocent"
My handouts were removed. |
heartily thanked the woman. but not
the squire, and took the next train
home.-Philadelphia North Amari-
can.
VENTILATION MUCH NEEDED.