Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1837-10-17
THE ILLITERATE ROBBER.

A gentleman, one evening late, passing
over Point Neuf new bridge, in Paris, with
4 lantern in his hand, was accosted by a
orange man, in manner rather polite
and seemingly suppliant, who requested
MIN to read a paper, which, he SAID ne
had that moment picked up, ond did not
know but what it might be of consequence;
he gentleman, in holding up the lantern,
IN order to read the paper, had likewise
an opportunity of surveying the person
and features of the person who accosted
him, which he did with some attention
In the paper he found few lines which
Ihave translated as literally as the ldlom
Of the two languages will admit;
nSpeak not word when this you We read
et Or in an instant you'll be dead,
Give up your money, watch and rings
M Or other valuable things;
Depart then quickly, as you WILL
Only remember silence still"
The gentleman considering his sltua-
lion, and the import of the threat contain
ed in the paper, thought it most ,Pruden'
n continue silent, and to act as 1t directed; ;
he accordingly delivered his watch, rings,
and money, but at the same time renewed
\ his survey of the person to whom ne gave
Them; and was so minute IN MS scrutiny
athat he fancied he could at any time swear
10 him.
The man was soon apprehended for a
riot, and on his way to justice was percei-
we'd by the gentleman to whom ne presen'
led the paper, who accompanied nm &c
the magistrate, and exhibited an account
of the before mentioned occurrences a
rainst him; he was, for want OF proper
proof respecting the riot, acquitted OF 'h'
affair, but was sent to prison on account o
The charge Of robbery.
@ When he was brought to the bar to taxi
bis trial, he appeared quite unconcerned
Ind pleaded not guilty with the creates
confdence-the gentleman who was tn
0nly evidence that could be adducec
wore positively to the fact, and to tn
identity of the person.
When he came to make his defence, h
thus addressed the bench:
"My Lords, ! confess on the evenin
specified, | did meet this gentleman
Point Neuf, and the transaction, as he ha
related it very exactly, passed betwee
us; but in the affair, | am very far frol
being guilty of any i'll intention. It's m
misfortune not to be able to read pickle
up the paper just before met the gent
man; | thought, perhaps, it might be
consequence. Seeing the gentleman, az
Judging from his appearance that ne mig
be able to read observing likewise Il
conveniency of his having a lantern
NJ his hand, | requested that he would 40 n
the favor to read the paper-he comphe
and after reading it to himself, he pu
his rings, watch and money into my han'
was so astonshed, that had not pow
10 inquire into the contents OF the paap'
or to follow him for an explanation OF
actons-afterwards on reflection, | In
gined the paper must have been OF gr'
value, and that he had givon me his rim
and money in order to get rid OF me,
to keep to himself what was far more G.
M siderable in worth. Thus, if any one
been wronged, think it myself, and ne
that justice may be done me-"
By this bold and artful defence, and
notoriety Of his not having made any
NAL demand of the gentleman, ne got
for he was acquitted, though the WI
court were conscious Of his guilt