Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 182, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1916 — The Artful Dodger. [ARTICLE]

The Artful Dodger.

There was an air of proud distinction about the tall, erect, raw-boned southern cracker as he stood before Judge Broyles, felt hat in hand and generous quid tucked away in one corner of his capacious mouth. “This man, your honor,” explained the officer who made the arrest, “is a suspicious character. We found him hiding along Decatur street, first in one alley and then in another. Why, would you believe it, your honor, when I finally got him he was hiding under a stack of dirty clothes in a hand laundry.” “What have you to say for yourself, Peter Cooper Haggs?” demanded the judge. “What were you hiding from—the court must know I” Everybody in the big room leaned forward to catch the stern-faced cracker’s answer. They were prepared for some sort of fiendish plot. “Ma wisp wuz after me ter pay fer th* rent,” was the prisoner’s calm response.—Case and Comment,