Wrong Man On Witness Stand

WRONG MAN ON WITNESS STAND

It was a Case of Mistaken Identity

LAUGH ON CAVANAUGH

Took the Judge and Attorney Some to Straighten Matters Up

A most amusing incident occurred in the circuit court Tuesday afternoon. The proceedings were to remove the guardianship over Charles Shenk, of Chelsea.

One of the brothers had been acting in that capacity for some time and all the family agreed that the ward was capable of transacting his own business.

It was a matter of mere formality and Attorney Cavanaugh was engaged to pilot the thing through in legal style.

Now it happens that Mr. Cavanaugh had seen Charles Shenk only once and as Charles bears a close resemblance to his brothers, it was quite natural that he should fall into a case of mistaken identity.

After Merchant Shenk had gone on the stand and swore that Charles was competent to manage his own affairs, Mr. Cavanaugh beckoned to the man he supposed was Charles.

The fellow took the stand.

"You want the guardianship removed?' was asked.

"Yes," was the reply.

"You can manage your own property?"

"I think so," said the witness with a smile.

Judge Kinne butted in at this point.

"You will be careful of your property" asked the Judge.

"I always have,"' said the witness.

"What I mean," said the Judge, "if I remove this guardianship over you, will you take care of your money?"

"I guess you've got the wrong man," said the witness to Attorney Cavanaugh, who thought he had reference to his Honor.

"Oh, no." said Mr. Cavanaugh, "this is the judge."

"But I'm not the man you want."

"Are you not under guardianship now?" inquired Judge Kinne.

"No, or never have been."

"Are you not Charles?'' asked Mr. Cavanaugh.

"No, that's Charles over there," said the witness pointing to his brother on the front seat.

The court and attorney and the few spectators present laughed and the guardianship over Charles was removed.