The Court Needed Posting

1901

A trial was progressing at the City Hall police court when the judge espied in a group of young girls mingling in the large audience a delinquent witness whom it was urgent he interview.

"Mr. Marshall," his honor exclaimed, "have that young lady step here."

"Which young lady, your honor?"

"I don't know her name — the one with the light straw hat and dark skirt," the court added. The clew was insufficient.

"What kind of waist?" inquired the marshal.

"Ruffle on the sleeves and trimmed with — er — the usual sort of what d'you call em," said the court.

"I understand. You mean leg of mutton sleeves, with — er — what's his name attachments," replied the marshal in faint hope of striking the technical term.

"No, not exactly," said the judge.

"Would you recognize an empire gown if you saw one. Mr. Marshal?"

"Upon oath, no; I wouldn't swear to it."

"Well, I know it wasn't an empire gown or a Mother Hubbard. I don't think you understand much about female apparel."

But here the young lady generously stepped forward, while a little boy laughed, and the marshal threatened to send him to the penitentiary for life. — St. Louis Post-Dispatch.