CHAPTER XXV
JUDGMENT
A telegram from Major Doyle corroborated Le Drieux's assertion that JackAndrews had arrived at the port of New York via the _Princess Irene_ onJanuary twenty-seventh. A report from Lawyer Colby stated that he was nowso thoroughly posted on everything pertaining to pearls that he couldeasily confound the expert, Mr. Isidore Le Drieux. There the matterrested for three days, during which the Stanton girls continued theirwork at the studio and Uncle John's nieces busied themselves enjoying thecharms of the ideal Hollywood climate. Then came the news that the judgewould call Jones for examination at nine o'clock on Friday morning, thethirteenth.
"Friday, the thirteenth!" said Patsy with a grimace. "I hope Ajo isn'tsuperstitious."
"That combination proves lucky for some people," replied Arthur,laughing. "Let us hope that Jones is one of them."
"Of course we shall all go to see what happens," said Beth, and to thisthere was no dissenting voice.
Maud obtained a letter from Jones to Captain Carg, asking him to be onhand, and this she dispatched by a safe messenger to the yacht_Arabella_. She also told Goldstein to have his operator in attendancewith the film. Finally, a conference was called that evening with Mr.Colby, at which the complete program of defense was carefully rehearsed.
"Really," said the lawyer, "there's nothing to this case. It's a regularwalkaway, believe me! I'm almost ashamed to take Mr. Jones' money forconducting a case that Miss Stanton has all cut and dried for me. I'llnot receive one half the credit I should had the thing been complicated,or difficult. However, I've learned so much about pearls that I'm almosttempted to go into the jewelry business."
Friday morning was bright and cool--one of those perfect days for whichSouthern California is famous. Judge Wilton appeared in court with atranquil expression upon his face that proved he was in a contented mood.All conditions augured well for the prisoner.
The prosecution was represented by two well known attorneys who hadbrought a dozen witnesses to support their charge, among them being theAustrian consul. The case opened with the statement that the prisoner,Jackson Dowd Andrews, alias A. Jones, while a guest at the villa of theCountess Ahmberg, near Vienna, had stolen from his hostess a valuablecollection of pearls, which he had secretly brought to America. Some ofthe stolen booty the prisoner had disposed of, it was asserted; a parthad been found in his possession at the time of his arrest; some of thepearls had been mounted by Brock & Co., the Los Angeles jewelers, at hisrequest, and by him presented to several acquaintances he had recentlymade but who were innocent of any knowledge of his past history or hismisdeeds. Therefore the prosecution demanded that the prisoner be kept incustody until the arrival of extradition papers, which were already onthe way, and that on the arrival of these papers Andrews should beturned over to Le Drieux, a representative of the Vienna police, and byhim taken to Austria, the scene of his crime, for trial and punishment.
The judge followed the charge of the prosecution rather indifferently,being already familiar with it. Then he asked if there was any defense.
Colby took the floor. He denied that the prisoner was Jackson DowdAndrews, or that he had ever been in Vienna. It was a case of mistakenidentity. His client's liberty had been outraged by the stupid blundersof the prosecution. He demanded the immediate release of the prisoner.
"Have you evidence to support this plea?" inquired Judge Wilton.
"We have, your honor. But the prosecution must first prove its charge."
The prosecution promptly responded to the challenge. The photograph ofAndrews, taken abroad, was shown. Two recognized experts in physiognomydeclared, after comparison, that it was undoubtedly the photograph of theprisoner. Then Le Drieux took the stand. He read a newspaper account ofthe robbery. He produced a list of the pearls, attested by the countessherself. Each individual pearl was described and its color, weight andvalue given. Then Le Drieux exhibited the pearls taken from Jones and,except for the small ones in the brooch which had been presented to Mrs.Montrose, he checked off every pearl against his list, weighing thembefore the judge and describing their color.
During this, Judge Wilton continually nodded approval. Such evidence wasconcise and indisputable, it seemed. Moreover, the defense readilyadmitted that the pearls exhibited had all been in Jones' possession.
Then Colby got up to refute the evidence.
"Mr. Jones," he began, "has--"
"Give the prisoner's full name," said the judge.
"His full name is A. Jones."
"What does the 'A' stand for?"
"It is only an initial, your honor. Mr. Jones has no other name."
"Puh! He ought to have taken some other name. Names are cheap," sneeredthe judge.
Colby ignored the point.
"Mr. Jones is a resident of Sangoa, where he was born. Until he landed atSan Francisco, fifteen months ago, he had never set foot on any land butthat of his native island."
"Where is Sangoa?" demanded the judge.
"It is an island of the South Seas."
"What nationality?"
"It is independent. It was purchased from Uruguay by Mr. Jones' fathermany years ago, and now belongs exclusively to his son."
"Your information is indefinite," snapped the judge.
"I realize that, your honor; but my client deems it wise to keep thelocation of his island a secret, because he has valuable pearlfisheries on its shores. The pearls exhibited by the prosecution wereall found at Sangoa."
"How do you account, then, for their checking so accurately against thelist of stolen pearls?"
"I can make almost any pearls check with that list, which represents ahuge collection of almost every size, weight and color," replied Colby."To prove this, I will introduce in evidence Captain Carg of Sangoa, whorecently arrived at Santa Monica Bay with the last proceeds of the pearlfisheries of the island."
Captain Carg was on hand, with his two sailors guarding the chest. He nowproduced the trays of pearls and spread them on the desk before theamazed eyes of the judge. Le Drieux was astounded, and showed it plainlyon his face.
Colby now borrowed the list, and picking up a pearl from the tray weighedit on Le Drieux's scales and then found a parallel to it on the list.This he did with several of the pearls, chosen at random, until one of LeDrieux's attorneys took the expert aside and whispered to him. Then LeDrieux's expression changed from chagrin to joy and coming forward heexclaimed:
"Your honor, this is the collection--the balance of it--which was stolenfrom the Countess Ahmberg!"
The judge looked at him a moment, leaned back in his chair and nodded hishead impressively.
"What nonsense!" protested Colby. "These trays contain twice the numberof pearls included in that entire list, as your honor may plainly see."
"Of course," retorted Le Drieux eagerly; "here are also the pearls fromthe necklace of Princess Lemoine, and the London collection of LadyGrandison. Your honor, in his audacity the defense has furnished us proofpositive that this prisoner can be none other than the adventurer andclever thief, Jack Andrews."
It was in vain that Colby declared these pearls had just come fromSangoa, where they were found. The judge cut him short and asked if hehad any other evidence to advance.
"These pearls," he added, indicating the trays, "I shall take possessionof. They must remain in my custody until their owners claim them, orCaptain Carg can prove they are the lawful property of the prisoner."
Consternation now pervaded the ranks of the defense. The girls wereabsolutely dismayed, while Uncle John and Arthur Weldon wore bewilderedlooks. Only Jones remained composed, an amused smile curling the cornersof his delicate mouth as he eyed the judge who was to decide his fate.
On the side of the prosecution were looks of triumph. Le Drieux alreadyregarded his case as won.
Colby now played his trump card, which Maud Stanton's logic and energyhad supplied the defense.
"The prosecution," said he, "has stated that the alleged robbery wascommitted at V
ienna on the evening of September fifteenth, and thatJack Andrews arrived in America on the steamship _Princess Irene_ onthe afternoon of the January twenty-seventh following. Am I correct inthose dates?"
The judge consulted his stenographer.
"The dates mentioned are correct," he said pompously.
"Here are the papers issued by the Commander of the Port of SanFrancisco, proving that the yacht _Arabella_ of Sangoa anchored in thatharbor on October twelfth, and disembarked one passenger, namely: A.Jones of Sangoa."
"That might, or might not, have been the prisoner," declared theprosecuting attorney.
"True," said the judge. "The name 'A. Jones' is neither distinguished nordistinguishing."
"On the evening of January twenty-sixth, twenty-four hours before JackAndrews landed in America," continued Colby, "the prisoner, Mr. A. Jones,appeared at the annual meeting of the stockholders of the ContinentalFilm Manufacturing Company, in New York, and was formally electedpresident of that organization."
"What is your proof?" inquired the judge, stifling a yawn.
"I beg to submit the minutes of the meeting, attested by its secretary."
The judge glanced at the minutes.
"We object to this evidence," said the opposing attorney. "There is noproof that the A. Jones referred to is the prisoner."
"The minutes," said Colby, "state that a motion picture was taken of themeeting. I have the film here, in this room, and beg permission toexhibit it before your honor as evidence."
The judge was a bit startled at so novel a suggestion but assented witha nod. In a twinkling the operator had suspended a roller-screen from thechandelier dependent from the ceiling, pulled down the window shades andattached his projecting machine to an electric-light socket.
Then the picture flashed upon the screen. It was not entirely distinct,because the room could not be fully darkened and the current was notstrong, yet every face in the gathering of stockholders could be plainlyrecognized. Jones, especially, as the central figure, could not bemistaken and no one who looked upon the picture could doubt his identity.
When the exhibition was concluded and the room again lightened, LeDrieux's face was visibly perturbed and anxious, while his attorneys satglum and disconcerted.
Colby now put Goldstein on the stand, who testified that he recognizedJones as president of his company and the owner of the majority ofstock. The young man had come to him with unimpeachable credentials tothat effect.
The girls were now smiling and cheerful. To them the defense wasabsolutely convincing. But Le Drieux's attorneys were skillful fightersand did not relish defeat. They advanced the theory that the motionpicture, just shown, had been made at a later dale and substituted forthe one mentioned in the minutes of the meeting. They questionedGoldstein, who admitted that he had never seen Jones until a few daysprevious. The manager denied, however, any substitution of the picture.He was not a very satisfactory witness for the defense and Colby wassorry he had summoned him.
As for the judge, he seemed to accept the idea of the substitution withalacrity. He had practically decided against Jones in the matter of thepearls. Now he listened carefully to the arguments of the prosecution andcut Colby short when he raised objections to their sophistry.
Finally Judge Wilton rose to state his decision.
"The evidence submitted in proof of the alleged fact that the prisoner isJack Andrews, and that Jack Andrews may have robbed the Countess Ahmberg,of Vienna, of her valuable collection of pearls, is in the judgment ofthis court clear and convincing," he said. "The lawyer for the defensehas further succeeded in entangling his client by exhibiting anadditional assortment of pearls, which may likewise be stolen property.The attempt to impose upon this court a mythical island called Sangoais--eh--distinctly reprehensible. This court is not so easily hoodwinked.Therefore, in consideration of the evidence advanced, I declare that theprisoner is Jack Andrews, otherwise Jackson Dowd Andrews, otherwiseparading under the alias of 'A. Jones,' and I recognize the claim of theAustrian police to his person, that he may be legally tried for hisalleged crimes in the territory where it is alleged he committed them.Therefore I order that the prisoner be held for requisition and turnedover to the proper authorities when the papers arrive. The court isadjourned."
CHAPTER XXVI
SUNSHINE AFTER RAIN
Of course not one of our friends agreed with the judge. Indignation andresentment were written on every face--except that of Goldstein. Themanager rubbed his hands softly together and, approaching Maud, hewhispered:
"You needn't speak to Jones about me. It's all right. I guess he won't beinterfering with me any more, eh? And come _early_ to-morrow morning.We've got a lot of rehearsing to do. To-day I will call a holiday foryou. And, believe me, Miss Stanton, this is nothing to worry any of us.The judge settles it, right or wrong, for the law defies us all."
As the manager hurried away Uncle John looked after him and said:
"I wonder if he realizes how true his words are? 'The law defies us all.'How helpless we are to oppose injustice and oppression when one man,with a man's limitations and prejudices, is clothed with authority tocondemn us!"
Colby stood silent. The poor fellow's eyes were full of unshed tears.
"This is my first case, and my last," said he. "I won it honestly. It wasthe judge, not the evidence, that defeated me. I'm going to rent myoffice and apply for a job as a chauffeur."
Jones was the least affected of the group. "Never mind, friends," he saidto them, "it will all come right in the end. If you will stand by me,Colby, I'll retain you to plead my case in the Austrian court, or atleast advise my Austrian lawyers. I've an idea they will treat me fairly,over there in Vienna."
"It's outrageous!" quoth indignant Patsy Doyle. "I'd like to give thatjudge a piece of my mind."
"If you did," replied Arthur, "he'd fine you for contempt."
"It would be a just line, in that case," said Patsy; "so I'm sure hewouldn't do it."
The jailer had come to take the prisoner back to his cell. He smiledwhimsically at Miss Doyle's speech and remarked:
"There's always one side to kick, Miss, whichever way the judge decides.It was only Solomon who could satisfy everybody."
"Clear the room!" shouted the bailiff.
Captain Carg's men took the empty chest back to the launch. The captainfollowed them, after pressing the hand of his young master, who said:"Wait for orders, Captain." Uncle John took his flock back to the hotel,where they gathered in his room and held an indignation meeting. Here itwas safe to give full vent to their chagrin and disappointment.
"Every bit of honest evidence was on our side," declared Maud. "I shallnever be able to understand why we lost."
"Bribery and corruption," said Flo. "I'll bet a cookie Le Drieux dividedthe reward with the judge."
"I suppose it's all up with Ajo now," sighed Beth, regretfully.
"Yes," replied Colby, who had accompanied them; "there is nothing more tobe done for him at present. From the judge's order there is no appeal,in such a case. Mr. Jones must go to Vienna for trial; but there he maysecure an acquittal."
"He is very brave, I think," said Patsy. "This affair must have hurt hispride, but he smiles through it all. In his condition of health, theconfinement and humiliation may well shorten his life, yet he has madeno murmur."
"He's good stuff, that boy," commented Uncle John. "Perhaps it is due tothat John Paul blood his father was so proud of."
When Arthur went into the lobby a little later he found Le Drieux seatedcomfortably and smoking a long cigar. The pearl expert nodded to theyoung ranchman with so much evident satisfaction that Arthur could notresist engaging him in conversation.
"Well, you won," he remarked, taking a vacant chair beside Le Drieux.
"Yes, of course," was the reply; "but I'll admit that fellow Andrews is asmooth one. Why, at one time he had even me puzzled with his alibis andhis evidence. That flash of the pearls was the cleverest trick I everheard of; but it didn't g
o, I'd warned the judge to look out for a scoop.He knew he was dealing with one of the most slippery rogues incaptivity."
"See here, Le Drieux," said Arthur; "let us be honest with one another,now that the thing is settled and diplomacy is uncalled for. Do youreally believe that Jones is Jack Andrews?"
"Me? I know it, Mr. Weldon. I don't pose as a detective, but I'mconsidered to have a shrewd insight into human character, and from thefirst moment I set eyes on him I was positive that Jones was the famousJack Andrews. I can understand how you people, generous and trusting,have been deceived in the fellow; I admire the grit you've all shown instanding by him to the last. I haven't a particle of malice toward anyone of you, I assure you--not even toward Andrews himself."
"Then why have you bounded him so persistently?"
"For two reasons." said Le Drieux. "As a noted pearl expert, I wantedto prove my ability to run down the thief; and, as a man in modestcircumstances, I wanted the reward."
"How much will you get?"
"All together, the rewards aggregate twenty thousand dollars. I'll gethalf, and my firm will get half."
"I think," said Arthur, to test the man, "that Jones would have paid youdouble that amount to let him alone."
Le Drieux shook his head; then he smiled.
"I don't mind telling you, Mr. Weldon--in strict confidence, ofcourse--that I approached Jones on that very subject, the day he wasplaced in jail. He must have been sure his tricks would clear him, for herefused to give me a single penny. I imagine he is very sorry, right now;don't you, sir?"
"No," said Arthur, "I don't. I still believe in his innocence."
Le Drieux stared at him incredulously.
"What, after that examination of to-day?" he demanded.
"Before and after. There was no justice in the decision of Judge Wilton;he was unduly prejudiced."
"Be careful, sir!"
"We are talking confidentially."
"To be sure. But you astonish me. I understand the character of Andrewsso thoroughly that I fail to comprehend how any sensible person canbelieve in him. Talk about prejudice!"
"I suppose you are to remain at this hotel?" said Arthur, evadingfurther argument.
"Yes, until the papers arrive. They ought to be here by Monday. ThenI shall take Andrews to New York and we will board the first steamerfor Europe."
Arthur left him. Le Drieux puzzled him more than he puzzled Le Drieux.The expert seemed sincere in the belief that he had trapped, in Jones, anoted criminal. Weldon could not help wondering, as he walked away, ifpossibly he and his friends had been deceived in A. Jones of Sangoa. Thedoubt was but momentary, yet it had forced itself into his mind.
On Saturday afternoon they all made a visit to the prisoner and tried tocheer him. Again on Sunday they called--the Stantons and Merricks andWeldons and all. Young Jones received them with composure and begged themnot to worry on his account.
"I am quite comfortable in this jail, I assure you," said he. "On myjourney to Vienna I shall be able to bribe Le Drieux to let me have suchcomforts as I desire. There is but one experience I shrink from: thepassage across the Atlantic. If it brings a return of my former malady Ishall suffer terribly."
"It may not be so bad as you fear," Patsy assured him, although in herheart she realized it might be the death of the boy. "Often those who aredistressed by a voyage on the Pacific endure the Atlantic very well."
"That is encouraging," said he. "It is my dread of the water that hasprevented me from returning to Sangoa, or even visiting my yacht. Andthis reminds me of a favor I wish to ask."
"You may rely upon our friendship," said Maud.
"I believe that. Here is a letter to Captain Carg, putting the _Arabella_at your disposal until my return from Vienna. I have named Mr. Merrickas the commander of the yacht, in my absence, and if you feel inclined tomake the trip and can spare the time I would like you all to make avoyage to Sangoa."
"To Sangoa!" they cried in chorus.
"Yes. I am ambitious to prove to you, who have been my staunch friends,that the island is indeed there. Incidentally you will become acquaintedwith the prettiest place in all the world. My house will be at yourdisposal while you remain and I am sure you will find it fairlycomfortable."
They were so amazed at this proposition that at first no one foundwords to answer the boy. It was Flo, naturally, who first collectedher thoughts.
"It will be awfully jolly!" she cried, clapping her hands with delight."I'm sure Maud and I need a vacation. Let's stick up our noses atGoldstein and sail away to the mysterious isle. What do you say, girls?And you, Mr. Merrick?"
"I believe, my boy," said Uncle John, laying a kindly hand on the youth'sshoulder, "that all of us are inclined to take advantage of your offer.That is, if you are sure we can be of no further use to you in yourdifficulties."
"I am taking Colby abroad with me and he can do all that may be doneuntil after my trial. Then I hope to rejoin you here and am lookingforward to a jolly reunion."
Uncle John took the letters which Ajo had written to Captain Carg, to hissuperintendent in Sangoa and to his housekeeper. Then they all pressedthe boy's hand and went away.
* * * * *
Monday morning the extradition papers arrived. Le Drieux exhibited themproudly to young Weldon, to Mr. Merrick, and even to the girls, whoregarded the documents with shuddering awe.
"We'll take the night train," said the man. "That will get us to New Yorkon Friday, in time to catch the Saturday steamer for Calais."
As he spoke a boy approached and handed Le Drieux a telegram.
"Excuse me," said he, and opened it with an important flourish. The nextmoment his face fell. He staggered and sank half fainting into a chairwhich Mr. Merrick pushed toward him.
Patsy ran for some water. Maud Stanton fanned the man with a foldednewspaper. Arthur Weldon picked up the telegram which had _fluttered_from Le Drieux's grasp and deliberately read it. Then he, too, sankgasping into a chair.
"Listen, girls!" he cried, his voice shrill with emotion. "What do youthink of this?
"'Jack Andrews arrested here in New York to-day by Burns detectives.Countess Ahmberg's collection of pearls was found in his possession,intact. Return here first train.'
"Signed: 'Eckstrom & Co.'"
There was a moment of tense silence.
Flo clapped her hands.
"Come on," she shouted in glee, "let's go and tell Ajo!"
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