The $1,000 Bill and the Hatchet in the Hallway

There was a wild commotion in the Esther house on Front street yesterday noon, and the lodgers went flying about the halls in a reckless manner, many in abbreviated costumes. After the trouble was over it was found that Arthur Neal, proprietor of the house, had been chasing his wife Jennie with a hatchet with the avowed intention of terminating her existence.

According to Mrs. Neal's statement, her husband had been on a protracted spree for five days, and yesterday morning came home somewhat the worse for wear. He listened to her words of comfort and lay down on the sofa. After a while he fell asleep, and she, thinking his money would be in her possession, took a $100 bill from his pocket. Mr. Neal awoke and, on finding his money gone, accused his wife of taking it. When he got the pocketbook he looked through it and swore his wife had taken a $1,000 bill. She denied it. His anger culminated when he hit her on the jaw. She ran away in fright, and, picking up the first weapon handy, he chased down the hall, declaring he would kill her. The lodgers heard the commotion, and, while some stuck their heads out of the doorways, others joined in the race.

Mr. Neal was not in racing condition, and gave up the fight, and his wife came down town to see about putting him under bonds to keep the peace. She told Prosecuting Attorney Miller Mr. Neal had three revolvers and a Winchester, and she was afraid he would shoot her. The couple were married last July.