The State rested. Mrs. Smilk was the first witness called by the defense. She told a harrowing tale of Smilk's unparalleled efforts to obtain work; of his heart-breaking disappointments; of her own loyal and cheerful struggle to provide for the children,--and for her poor sick husband,--by slaving herself almost to death at all sorts of jobs. Furthermore, she was positive that poor Cassius had reformed, that he was determined to lead an honest, upright life; all he needed was encouragement and the opportunity to show his worth. True, he had been in State's Prison twice, but in both instances it was the result of strong drink. Now that prohibition had come and he could no longer be subjected to the evils and temptations of that accursed thing generically known as rum, he was sure to be a model citizen and husband. In fact, she declared, a friend of the family,--a man very high up in city politics,--had promised to secure for Cassius an appointment as an enforcement officer in the great war that was being waged against prohibition. This seemed to make such a hit with the jury that Smilk's lawyer shrewdly decided not to press her to alter the preposition. The cross-examination was brief. The State: "How many children have you, Mrs. Smilk?" Mrs. Smilk: "Seven." The State: "The defendant is the father of all of them?" Mrs. Smilk, with dignity: "Are you tryin' to insinuate that he ain't?" The State: "Not at all. Answer the question, please." Mrs. Smilk: "Yes, he is." The State: "When did you say you were married to the defendant?" Mrs. Smilk: "October, 1906. I got my certificate here with me, if you want to see it." The State: "I would like to see it." Counsel for Smilk, benignly: "The defense has no objection." The State, after examining the document: "It is quite regular. With the court's permission, I will submit the document to the jury." The Court, to Smilk's counsel: "Do you desire to offer this document in evidence?" Counsel: "It had not occurred to us that it was necessary, but now that a point is being made of it, I will ask that it be introduced as evidence." The State, passing the certificate to the court reporter for his identification mark: "You have never been divorced from the defendant, have you, Mrs. Smilk?" Mrs. Smilk: "Of course not." Then nervously: "Excuse me, but do I get my marriage certificate back? It's the only hold I got on--" Counsel, hastily: "Certainly, certainly, Mrs. Smilk. You need have no worry. It will be returned to you in due time." The State, after reading the certificate aloud, hands it to the foreman, and says: "The State admits the validity of this certificate. There can be no question about it." Leans against the table and patiently waits until the document has made the rounds. "Now, Mrs. Similk, you are sure that you have not been divorced from Smilk nor he from you?" Mrs. Smilk, stoutly; "Course I'm sure."