Jedge Priest, she began, with a desperate, driven eagerness, weve come here tonight to speak in private with you about my boy about Jimmy.
In the darkness they could not see that the old Judges plump figure was stiffening.
Did Mister Dabney Prentiss did anyone, send you here to see me on this business? he asked, quickly.
No, suh, nobody atall, answered the old woman. We jest came on our own accord we felt like as if we jest had to come and see you. Court opens in the momin and Jimmys case, as you know, comes up the first thing. And oh, Jedge Priest, we air in so much trouble, Emmy and me and youve got the name of bein kind hearted to them thats borne down and in distress and so we come to you.
He raised his hand, as though to break in on her, but the old woman was not to be stopped. She was pouring out the grievous burden of her lament:
Jedge Priest, you knowed my husband when he was alive, and youve knowed me these many years. And you know how it was in them old days thats gone that the Flemings was forever and a day fightin with my people and forcin trouble on em till finally they hunted em plum out of the county and out of the State, away from the places where they was born and raised. And you know Jimmy too, and know what a hard time he had growin up, and how hes always stood by me and helped me out, jest the same as if he was my own son. And I reckin you know about him and Emmy here.
She broke off to wipe her eyes. Had it been a man who came on such an errand the Judge would have sent him packing he would have been at no loss to put his exact meaning into exact language; for the Judge held his place on the bench in a high and scriptural regard. But here, in the presence of these two woeful figures, their faces drenched and steeped with sorrow, he hesitated, trying to choose words that would not bruise their wounds.
Miss Puss, he said very softly, almost as though he were speaking to a child, whatever my private feelins may be towards you and yours, it is not proper for me as the Judge upon the bench, to express them in advance of the trial. It is my sworn duty to enforce the law, as it is written and laid down in the books. And the law is merciful, and is just to all.
The old womans angular, slatty figure straightened. In the falling light her pinched and withered face showed, a white patch with deep grayish creases in it, the color of snow in a quick thaw.
The law! she flared out, the law, you say, Jedge. Well, you kin talk mighty big about the law, but what kind of a law is that that lets a fightin, swearin, drunken bully like Ranee Fleming plague a poor boy and call him out of his name with vile words and shame him before this child here, and yit not do nothin to him for it? And what kind of a law is it thatll send my boy up yonder to that there penitentiary and wreck his life and Emmys life and leave me here alone in my old age, ashamed to lift my head amongst my neighbors ever again?
Madame, said the Judge with all kindliness in his tone, its not for me to discuss these matters with you, now. Its not even proper that I should let you say these things to me.
Oh, but Jedge, she said, you must listen to me, please. You oughter know the truth and there aint no way for you to know it without I tell it to
you. Jimmy didnt want no quarrel with that man it wasnt never none of his choosin. He tried not to bear no grudge for what had gone before he jest craved to be let alone and not be pestered. Why, when Ranee Fleming cussed him that first time, last Fall, he come home to me cryin like his heart would break. He said hed been insulted and that hed have to take it up and fight it out with Ranee Fleming; he felt like he just had to. But we begged him on our bended knees mighty nigh, me and Emmy did, not to do nothin for our sakes and for our sakes he promised to let it go, and say nothin. Even after that, if Ranee Fleming had just let him be, all this turrible trouble wouldnt a-come on us. But Ranee Fleming he come back again and slapped Jimmys face, and Jimmy knowed then that sooner or later hed have to kill Ranee Fleming or be killed his-self there wasnt no other way out of it for him.
Jedge Priest, hes been the best prop a lone woman ever had to lean on hes been like a son to me. My own son couldnt a-been more faithful or more lovin. I jest ask you to bear all these things in mind tomorrow.
I will, Madame, said the old Judge, rather huskily. I promise you I will. Your nephew shall have a fair trial and all his rights shall be safe-guarded. But that is all I can say to you now.
Emmy Hardin, who hadnt spoken at all, plucked her by the arm and sought to lead her away. Shaking her head, the old woman turned away from the steps.
Jest one minute, please, Miss Puss, said Judge Priest, Id like to ask you a question, and I dont want you to think Im pryin into your private and personal affairs; but is it true what I hear that youve mortgaged your home place to raise the money for this boys defense?
I aint begredgin the money, she protested. It aint the thought of that, that brought me here tonight. Id work my fingers to the bone if twould help Jimmy any, and so would Emmy here. Wed both of us be willin and ready to go to the porehouse and live and die there if it would do him any good.