Evening star., 1923-09-27
CHAPTER XVIII.

Hear ye-hear ye-hear ye-the SUI
perior court of Moapa county. state
of Montana is called to order!"
The melancholy drone of the bailif
failed to check the buzz of conver-
sation.
"This is what 1 call bringing 'em to
justice quick
Understand Ern Houston's been
sworn in to prosecute this case"
They say ]. DIS got it in for the
prisoners, and he always wins"
Bang! Bang! Bang!, The bailiff's
gavel drowned the loudly whispered
words, and produced a hush Of silence
over the courtroom.
The Judge calmly finished a glass
of water and announced: The case
of People VS.. Peter Alden, jr., Brud
Hawkins. Susie Morgan, ct al"
Pete, a picture of utter detection.
shuff1ed wearily in his chair in the
prisoners box. Hawkins and Tam.
who sat beside him. shared his
wretchedness.
''Mr. Houston, ! understand that
you are representing the district at
torney's office in the prosecution of
this case"
Il am, your honor" Houston. ef-
ficient and alert as ever, Seemed
bubbling over with confidence, as he
stood for a moment and replied to
the judge. Then he sat down and
continued whispering words to
Browning, and Sharpe, who sat with
him at the counsefs table. leaning
back comfortably in their we'll pad
ded chairs.
The court continued.
THE defendants in this case, hav
ing pleaded not guilty to the charges
brought against them. have further
stated that they are unable to pro-
vide counsel for themselves. The
state has. therefore, appointed Jud
Weeks to defend them. Is Mr.. Weeks
present."
Browning winked covertly at
Houston. leaned toward him and
whispered. where is he Ern?"
Hes had avid night, but he'll be
here in minute,t = Houston answered.
The judge raised his voice and
asked again: "Is Mr.. Weeks present."
Sharpe nudged Houston, who
quickly arose and addressed the
court:
Your honor, 1 understand that the
attorney for the defense has been de-
layed. / have every reason to be-
llieve, however, that he will be here
very shortly"
"Mr. Houston" the court replied
cit is not the duty of the prosecuting
attorney of the defense. This is the
first case over which this court has
presided. Mr.. Weeks has been ap-
pointed to defend the accused, but if
he is not in court, this case will be
set ahead on the calendar. The
charges brought against the accused
are extremely grave ones, and every
consideration must be shown them in
procuring a proper defense"
Houston sat down and whispered
again to Browning. "Of all the
judges in Montana. the governor cer-
tainly appointed the wrong one for
us; this bird would convict his own
mother If she was guilty"
The judge spoke to the prisoners.
Peter Alden, can you or those ac-
cused with you, advise the court If
Mr.. Weeks intends. to be present."
Hawkins. strong and vigorous. but
trembling with emotion, answered
before Pete could reply.
your honor, Mr. Weeks has not
seen us more than thirty minutes
during all the while we've been in
Jail. No one has been allowed to see
us. 1 don't believe"
He was suddenly interrupted by
Pete, who tugged violently at his
coat, waving his free hand frantically
as he did so in the direction of a
group of men who entered the court
room in the rear.
D Instantly every one in the room
turned to see the cause of his sudden
frantic e1ation.
The bailiff banged his gavel and
shouted, order in the courtroom"
Browning paled perceptibly as he
leaned over toward Sharpesand Hous,
ton. Its that damn goat" he
whispered, whats he doing here?
Do you know the men with him.
Uncle John, Judge Stivers."' Pete
called abound, his deep voice filling
the courtroom.
Again the baiiiff's gavel banged for
silence.
Judge stivers, erect. proud and
defiant, looked neither to the right
nor left, as he came with quick,
springy steps through the rail of the
attorneys inclosure and directly UP
to the Judge. His long trained ju-
diciaI voice caused the entire court
room to hush breathlessly as he
spoke.
May a please the court. have here
certain credentials to present"
So saying he handed over bundle
recognized its distinguished visitor
theshand of Judge Stivers, and shook
1t warmly.
THE court will adjourn for fifteen
minutes" the judge announcedfbriefiy
and hurried with the visitor to
private chambers.
,Again-th gavel sounded and court
reconvened.
(Confinued In TomogroW's Star.l