The White Rose of MemphisFalkner, William C. (Clark)
General
The White Rose of Memphis
Falkner, William C. (Clark)
Memphis (Tenn.) -- Fiction
“‘Ah, good! We’ll try the civil suit first.’
“The plaintiff in the civil suit was a pale-faced, poorly-dressed woman,
with a forlorn, forsaken, half-starved appearance, who sat on a bench
with a sickly-looking infant in her arms. When she stood up to be sworn
as a witness she was compelled to lean on the table to keep from
falling.
“‘What is your complaint, madame, against Judge Bosh?’ demanded the
mayor gruffly, as he stared savagely at the poor woman. In a low,
tremulous tone she stated her case:
“‘I contracted with Judge Bosh to work for him three months, for six
dollars per month; I worked for him for two months and three-quarters,
then fell ill, so that I was unable to work any more. He refused to pay
me because I was unable to work the other quarter of a month. As soon as
I got able to walk I went back and offered to work out my contract, but
he said that it was too late--that he had made other arrangements. We
are out of provisions at home, sir, and I hope you will make the judge
pay me for the work I have done for him.’
“‘No doubt you do, no doubt you do,’ growled the fountain of justice, as
he told the plaintiff to stand aside. ‘What has the defendant got to
say?’ and he smiled blandly on Judge Bosh as that distinguished
individual stepped forward and laid his hand on the Bible. ‘It is
unnecessary to swear you; please make your statement.’
“‘That woman contracted to serve me three months. She failed to comply
with her contract. As to her reasons, I know nothing about them, neither
do I wish to know. A contract is a contract, and it binds both parties.
She violated it, and I demand judgment.’
“‘Certainly, certainly, judge; most assuredly you are clearly entitled
to it. Judgment against plaintiff for cost,’ he muttered as he wrote
down the entry on his docket.
“The poor woman staggered out of the room, and fell fainting on the
pavement.
“‘What’s next, Mr. Marshal?’
“‘A charge of assault and battery against Harry Wallingford.’
“‘Is that the little scamp who tried to murder our esteemed young
friend, Bowles? He looks like a first-class rascal. I’ll teach him a
lesson that he’ll not forget soon. O, Lord, how wicked this world is
getting to be!’ And he attempted to sigh, but it was a savage growl.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account