Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 November 1890 — A Paper Offered in Evidence. [ARTICLE]

A Paper Offered in Evidence.

“I offer this paper in evidence,” said Attorney Boltheart of counsel for Fiovonco Blythe. And then he displayed a.. piratical scowl, incurred unconsciously by infection from Attorney Billifut’s May-morning smile. “I object!” shouted Attorney Hulkley of counsel for unassorted claimants. -- “I shall have to read the paper,*! Judge Caffiolay remarked, “in order intelligently to pass upon the objection.” “Certainly,” said Mr. Boltheart. “Certainly,” said Mr. Hulkley. “If I find by rending it that it ought not to come before me to influence,my , mind-—"- - , .. ■—_ . _L, “We will consider it as returned to us unopened,” interrupted Mr. Bold- i heart blandly. “I’ll see that you do not consider it,” j sneered Attorney Nailer of counsel generally; “but that is not enough. In the event supposed we must ask your honor's knowledge of the existence and contents of the paper not to have any effect upon your honor’s judgment.” “Certainly,” assented the court. “Certainly,” assented Mr. Boltheart. “With that understanding,” hia honor said. “I will now read the paper.” Deeply and silently, like a steep sunbeam thrust into the sea, the meaning of that document penetrated the profoundost hollows of the judicial mins. lighting that unthinkable under-world with a bleak, uncanny fire. Then he folded the paper and lifted bis • eyes in sign to speak and seventy-one attorneys for forty-two explaintiffs and olfendauts caught back their breath to hear. He spoke: “I admit this paper [cries of ‘We except! We except!’] for what it] is j worth. JA cry: ‘The court is assuming that it is worth something; that-is—-prejudgment!’] This paper is [Except' Except!] a manuscript copy of the multiplication table.” Attorney Boltheart smiled his own bright, haunting smile.