The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-05

Il m going nOme--l m BOlng heme!" she decided bluntly. I'm go- ing now. I'm going to tell those thieves they've got to get out of my | house.
 No soner said than poor shrinking little Miss Mary. under the con tinued strict tutorshp of Tot Tim, dressed herself rapidly and in half an hour was on the Ensley car speeding homeward.
 She reached the little branch with 1 it's old shioned bridge, just as Judge Dalton. who did not know one word about her predieament, began to climb the hill upon which the big l green homestead stood. They could not see each other. because the house 1 shut off the view. Besides, Miss Mary was In no condition of mind to I be observing anything. Tot Tim trailed right beside her. Tot Tim Busy
 Don't lose your nerve" he whis- rered several times, until Miss Mary B little old-fa shioned long dress began to whip determinedly about her ankles.
 Miss Mary reached the steps. She advanced to the top of them. Her feet struck upon the porch. Even titt UlduhS thuIiptd Oul tht Niii oiAN outraged dignity in her heart
 Inside the house the guilty cousins and their wives were having a game of cards and were ordering Old Black Nanny to hurry with few drinks and a square meal. They were very cruel to the poor old serv- ant.
 Miss Mary jerked open the door with a thump that brought all uf them to their feet. You seoundrels-you miserable thieves! You get out of my house, and you go at once. I know you have forged the paper that gave you this property. And if you don't get out of the country immediately I shall see that you are sent to the penitentiary. You shall be made to pay for your mlstreatment of me and my fatheri" Miss Mary had brought no weapon of defense. but she seized q broom from the corner by the door and advanced upon the guilty cousins with such fury and blazing eyes that she completely routed them and they fled into the yard.
 Miss Mary flung the broom after thsm.
 To Try Again
 However, then, the guilty cousins began to pluck up courage. Not sec ing anyone with Miss Mary, they fig ured she was putting up bluff that she had no proof. This was literally true
 We don't intend to get outr' shouted one. You have Just come down here to frighten us. It's. you who will get out!'
 Then they started back into the house,
  sight of Judge Dalton who had been standing in the little hidden entrance hall, They stopped and stood tremb- ling. He had heard and seen every thing. They figured he was with Miss Mary and they were thoroughly frightened. for he was man to be feared.
 "It.s the truth" the judge thun- dered, "and it's not the first time you've been caught at your miser- able, low down forgeries. Get nc that mortgage,"
 The judge really didn't know any thing about Miss Marys case at all, but he was taking her word for it.
 The cousins could not believe any thing but that their deed was known. When the judge started. he was very fast. The guilty cousins, on the promise that they would be given two days to leave for South America or serve a lengthy jail terms, pro- duced the paper and hurriedly left
 Just as they disappeared down the hill, Black Nanny rushed in from behind the door.
 "Oh, Miss Mary, honey, dearest-l just knowed it, I prayed to de Lawd to send you back. And land mussy If dis ain't Judge Dalton. Bless yo heart. honey, dis is jest like it usta be-, Now l is comin wid the tea in jest a jiffy."
 Miss Mary Broke Down
 But as Black Nanny disappeared through the door. Miss Mary's tears fell in spite of herself.
 "Oh. Judge Dalton. you know # was all just bluff-and l am scared to death"
 Don't you worry. Miss Mary" the judge reassured her. If you don't know guilt when you see 1t, l do. I have enough evidence. even without this mortgage. to send these fellows up for three lifetimes. Your wor ries are all over. just think the only trouble is you need somebody to help you take care of this big old place, and I just come down to offer my services. Now, if you'll consent to he Mrs. Dalton--and the fairies will help us But even Tot Tim left at this. He thought that sweethearting could he well left in the judges hands, with out any aid from him.
 By the time Black Nanny arrived in the room again everything was all fixed up--and the judge was say ing;
 "Heavens. Miss Mary. I've known you long time, but I never knew you had so much spunk! Hanged if I'm not proud of you. I believe you're a chip off the old block"
 And it wasn't but two or three days before Miss Mary and the judge and old Black Nanny and Tot Tim were just as happy as everything at the weddlng-and the guilty cousins 1 ha..a re,-er heen heard of since