Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 16.pdf/422

 Bickel v. Sheets. BICKEL v, SHEETS. 24 IND. i. BY R. D. OGLESBEE, Of the LaPorte, Indiana, Bar. When Bickel gave his note to Sheets He practised one of Cunning's feats, And shrewdly figured out a way To hold from Sheets the promised pay; But in a Hoosier court of law A righteous judge discerned a flaw In Bickel's plans, which shows once more The danger of deficient lore. The case was this: One Sheets possessed A billiard table; Bickel guessed That he might use it in his place, Where all the thirsty populace Resorted for refreshment, and Proposed to give his note of hand In purchase; Sheets was soon agreed— For cash he had no present need. The pay day came; the debtor passed. A little later Sheets, harassed By Bickel's show of unconcern, Resorted to the court of stern Dogberry in the little town. Then Bickel giggled like a clown And said his note was doubtlessly Subversive of morality. The justice asked how that could be. "Why,'' said the debtor, "don't you see? The billiard table's a device For gambling, and, to be concise, Sheets knew that my intention was To use it in a wicked cause. Contracts of sale with such intent Are void, and I don't owe a cent.'' The magistrate said that was fine; Too fine, in fact, to undermine His notions of fair play; so he 'Gainst the defendant made decree.

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