This page needs to be proofread.

  • ' I'll see you damned first," responded Wall.

"Slieritf, keep silence in the court," interposed the judge. Then turning to the prisoner, he began again. " Well, sir—"

Sheriff. 'Cut the kerds, barkeep."

Barkeeper. " Run 'em."

Prisoner. " I was only borrowin' the mate, yer honor," with a most winning smile.

Judge. "Why didn't— "

Barkeeper. "No you don't, Mr Wall; put your little old jack on that ace, and no nigging "

Judge. "Either this court or that game must adjourn if you don't make less noise."

Barkeeper. "One moment, judge; count your game. Wall."

Judge. " How much—"

Sheriff. "Higli, jack, game."

Judge. "Silence in court!"

For a few moments the players were comparatively quiet while the judge continued the examination. At length the sheriff, again forgetting himself, cried out, "Six, and; rip ahead, old hoss!" The judge rose in anger, but as he turned toward the players he saw the king and ten of trumps in the bar-keeper's hand, and the case was instantly forgotten.

"Wall, I'll bet you five dollars your beaten," exclaimed the judge.

"Done!" said the sheriff "Come down with the cash; no fraud."

With cautious circumspection the point was played for. The whole attention of the judge was absorbed in the game. The sheriff won. Meanwhile the prisoner quietly withdrew.

"Fraud and cheating," cried the judge. "I fine you both ten dollars for contempt of court," and so concluded the trial.

Before the count}^ court of Lake county, in 1865 I think it was, D. J. McCarty was brought for whip