Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-08-28
U5e
Family Tree
by GENEVIEVE ULMAR
Copyright. 1919 by the Western News
paper UnionD
"My brother-Judge BaScom."

NJ hloiuti -JUfl-t bdNtOUl.
Whenever his wife, Mary, made this
reference To her closest and most IL
lustrious relative. Jonas Dwight felt
that comparisons were Odious but did
not openly demonstrate any particular
self-assertiyeness.
Our family tree, beginning with
Col. Lionel BaScom, who fought In
The Indian wars"
This announcement, made with Il
sweeping wave of the hand towards
faded and worn framed ink docu-
ment ON the wall. was the star play of
Mary when she wished 10 Impress new
acquaintances.
Outside Of her preposterouS family
pride and The fact that she employed
these references frequently until
Jonas ceased 10 feel resentment and
was simply bored. Mary in his eStirua-
tion was model houSekeeper and a
good wife
He would smile coverlly at times
when Mary was deScanting on the vir-
tues and genius of the judge and go
ing over the various ponderouS cases
ne had attended 10 ON circuit For
Jonas knew the Judge. in some re-
spectS more intimately than did his
better half
stick close 10 brother. Ira. and you
won't get into mischief" Mary AL
yiSed Jonas "a he and the judge start
IL 4, Ia
had some business 10 transact there
and would be absent for several days.
They put up al small hotel and the
Judge set about seeking entertainment.
huITying through his business and
visiting theaterS, dining extensively
and cumming ii with lawyer friends.
Just for the sake OF companionship
Jonas stayed up until midnight. The
judge did not arrive. however. and
Jonas Went ia bed. When he awOke
in the morning he was aIuazedsto lind
that the judge had not put In an ap-
pearance, and Jonas was so anxious
and perturbed that he could not eat
his breakfast He was thinking of
going 10 the police and reporting the
absence of his friend and relative
when the Judge arrived. and at II
glance Jonas dscerned that something
was the matter with him. He looked
worn and disturbed
whats the trouble. lraY' inquired
Jonas in rs casual II tone as he could
command. You look as If you had
been up all night"
Pretty near returned the judge
dolefully. Jonas. il must never get
any further. but | Joined in card
game last night with some friends
locked up with the others in Il dismal
Fell corridor ever since midnight. I've
lost forty dollars and II cost me an
other hundred 10 get free
Confession then led 10 the judge
borrowing five hundred dollars from
his willing brolhcr-in-law and Jonas
gave him check for the amount.
which the judge repaid when they got
hack home again. Jonas forgot the
unfortunate incident a. far as he
later.
In an obscure corner OF IA city pa
per the day after the arrest there had
appeared the names of the persons
who had been taken In charge by the
police There were two John Smiths.
NJ many William Browns, bur one
name was conspicuous as 10 the real
ity of it--"JonaS Dwight" How II
happened was that an obServant re-
porter had picked VI card tllat had
fallen ont OF the overcoat which the
Judge had worn.
How the newspaper that contained
tie item ever fell into the hands Of
Nary WAS mystery. hut, Hurried,
hast. overwhelmed with ndigna.
tau one day She presented the tell
'3Io chipping to her husband with the
-.id demand.
as tha youf"
"us my name" acknowledged
Jonas on guard u ana iu~rsn and de-
a.r- to expose her cherished broth
90. III WAS sad c0nlcS>iun. for after
lM almost daily Mary alluded to his
"a -arr in "a way that WA, by no
mcau. pleasant But there was q
fbm climax When his checks were
returned with The banks monthly
tatomrnf her eagle eye diScrrned the
e. 30 hundred dollar check.
.'Vhat does that mean" she de
uaujrd an abaze with excitement
"Thc rcpayins OF money You borrowed
10 keep up your outrageous career in
the city, You won't tellf Then the
Judge shall" and, dispute the en-
'rcafrs OF Jonas. she left the house
o. h.h llu'ter
Jonas was all upset and uneasy un
no err return. He was petriiied To be
erected by kiss on either cheek
/ Marry wu~ in tears. hut her tones Were
| ful OIL tender contr';ion.
"Jonas." she sald. Eve wrongec
,oe ror lac Judge has told me all
Ano rm afraid I've wronged yot
fufh"f hy setting mp my fots agains
YOU The Judge said to come home
uui fll You hat YOU are worth foui
times what hc is. aud ten times an.
+ or flfr ancestors ou that family tree
Aud you poor. patient. honest. dear