The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1914-11-13
A Jurors Conscience.

COULD hear some n pass out
of the kitchen, and almost i'm
mediately my view was OBJ
structed by the figure Of a
young woman who had placed herself
close to the open window and against
the wall exactly where l had first
stood. I could not have escaped then
without brushing her aside, although l
might possibly have reached my horse
without disclosing my identity, but l
hesitated to risk the hue and cry
which would be instantly raised and
might end in my capture and humilia-
ton. l also entertained the hope that
I might not overhear any further en-
barrassing conversation, in which case
there was nothing to be gained by
beating an immediate retreat.
In this, however, l was doomed to
speedy disappointment, for Miss Mapes
was speaking as she re-entered the
room with a light, and, although l
shrank farther behind the door, l could
hear every word she uttered.
II don't think you quite understand
our position in this matter, Miss
Mapes," 1 heard the visitor reply.
Il understand it we'll enough" Miss
Mapes retorted CURLY.
II hardly think So" answered the
visitor pleasantly. 1--WE are striving to
do all we can for Miss Emory, but we
cannot do our best work in the dark"
"Indeed!' snapped the housekeeper.
II should think darkness would favor
lawyers doings."
II know you don't like the profess
sion," laughed the man good naturally.
"But too little confidence is apt to be
more dangerous than too much. Mr..
Barstow most earnestly advised YOU
to remain out of the state until the
trial was over, and he cannot under
stand why you have returned"
"And l cannot understand why he
allowed Miss Emory to be indicted"
"My dear madam! He could not pre-.
vent it,"
Indeed! Then why was 1 bundled
out of the way"
1T was thought you might be COM
PEELED to give embarrassing testimony"
Didn't he promise that if l went away
no harm should happen herr"
"Who? Mr. Barstow? Perhaps he
did. But don't you think what has
happened is bad enough without mal..
ing it any worse?"
II couldn't make it worse"
Indeed you could and will. Mr..
Barstow has prepared his defense in
the belief that you are safely outside
the state and cannot be called as a
witness. He has proceeded to trial
counting on this fact, and it is no longer
possible to obtain a postponement. Now
at the eleventh hour, you turn up and
compel him to meet God knows what
testimony, for l tell you very frankly
that he has reason to believe you have
given him your full story. CAM
you see how embarrassing, if not fatal
this move of yours may be-"
The speakers tone was earnest ant
persuasive, and the girl, listening out
side the window, leaned forward ex
citedly.
"Now, Mr.. Hunt" Miss Mapes
voice replied, you've had your say
and I'll have mine. l went away n,
Mr. Barstow's request for one AM
only n reason, and that was to pro
tect Alice Emory. How has it pro
tected her? Hardly Il word of sus
picion had been uttered against hel
when l left, and now she is on trial fol
her life. Mr.. Barstow couldn't hell
1t, couldn't he? Well, l don't believe
he could, with the methods he's adopt
ed, and I'm sick and tired of him ani
his methods. Why did he shut thu