The White Rose of MemphisFalkner, William C. (Clark)
General
The White Rose of Memphis
Falkner, William C. (Clark)
Memphis (Tenn.) -- Fiction
“My young friend Wallingford, we have had some difficulty in arriving at
a correct conclusion respecting our duty in this case. We have patiently
listened to the evidence, pro and con, and find in many respects a great
conflict; that is to say, somewhat of a contradiction between the
statements made by Mr. Bowles and the evidence given by Miss
Wallingford. But I am pleased to be able to say that it is the opinion
of the court that no willful perjury has been committed in this case;
but the apparent conflict grew out of the confusion caused by the
interference of that savage old dog in the little unpleasantness. The
court very much regrets that it has no power to imprison dogs, or to
impose fines upon them. This is more especially to be regretted in this
case, as it is the opinion of the court that the dog is the only MAN to
blame in the matter. That being true, and as there is no lawful
authority given me to punish the dog as he deserves, I am consequently
compelled to dismiss Master Wallingford from custody and tax the
corporation with the cost. I would admonish my young friend to endeavor
to teach his dog better manners in future, lest he might involve his
master in some serious trouble. Adjourn court, Mr. Marshal; and don’t
fail to collect the cost in the case of Mrs. Bonds against Judge Bosh.’
“Now let the curtain fall, for the farce is finished. It was a lucky
thing for us that Doctor Dodson came to town that day, for Harry would
have been sent to prison but for his timely arrival. Lottie threw her
arms round the old gentleman’s neck and kissed him fervently, and I saw
the tears trembling in his eyes as he pressed her to his heart.
“‘Heaven bless you, my child!’ said he. ‘I had a daughter about your
age, but she is dead. Poor thing, she was very much like you; and should
you ever need a home, come to me and you’ll find one.’
“‘I thank you so very much--much more than words can express, and I hope
God will reward you!’
“‘There, there, child, hush, or you’ll make a fool of me!’ and he left
the room with the brim of his hat pulled down over his eyes to hide his
tears.
“Once more we were permitted to renew our march on the road to Memphis;
and during the next three days nothing occurred worthy of mention. We
were happy because Lottie kept up so well--she was so cheerful, and
never complained; the cloth shoes I had made for her proved a great
success; no more blisters appeared on her feet; the weather, though
quite warm during the day, was pleasant mornings and evenings, while the
nights were delightful. We continued our gipsy plan of camping out
nights, and traveled leisurely during the day, so as not to fatigue
Lottie.
“But as I hear the music in the saloon, which is the signal for the
dance to commence, I shall break off the thread here, and promise to
take it up again when her Majesty shall be pleased to command me.”
“I had rather listen to the story than to dance,” said Scottie.
“So would I,” said the queen.
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