The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1841-11-23

HOulCs that Was ~ dSlOiilSu lICl WIN
good fortune. But the awful responsibility
| had undertaken to speak for the first time
in strange court, the expectations the cu- !
prit had formed of my talents; all those, !
and a crowd of similar notions kept whlr-
ling through my mind. had tossed about
all night, fearing morning would find me
exhausted and in competent; IN word the
day dawned on me miserable fellow.
got up feverish and nervous. l walk |
ed out to breakfast, striving TO collect my
thoughts and tranquilize my feelings. Ii
was a bright morning-the air was pure
and frosty-I bathed my forehead and my
hands in beautiful running stream, but i
could not allay the fever-heat that ragged
within. / returned to breakfast, but could
not cat. A single cup of coffee formed my
repast. 1t was time to 90 to court and |
went there with a throbbing heart. l be-
! eve if it had not been for the thoughts of
nv dear little wife in her lonely house, |
should have given back to the man his dol
lars, and relinquished the cause. Itook my
seat, looking, am convinced, more like a
culprit than the rogue was to defend.
| When the time came for me TO speak, my
heart died within me. rose embarrassed
and dismayed, and stammered in opening
my cause. went on from bad TO worse,
and felt as if was going down. Just then.
! the public prosecutor, man of talents, but
somewhat rough in his practice, made a
sarcastic remark on something had said.
1t was like an electric spark, and ran ting
/ ling thro' every vein in my body. In an
( instant my diffidence was gone. My whole
spirit was in arms. answered with prompt
ness, for felt the cruelty of such an attack
upon novice in my situation. The public
prosecutor made kind of apology. This,
for man of his redoubtable powers, was
vast concession Irenewed my argument
with fearful growl, carried the case tri-
umphantly. and the man was acquitted.
This was the making of me. Every body
was curious 10 know who this new lawyer
was that had suddenly risen among them.
and bearded the Attorney General in the
very outset. The story ofmy debut at the
inn on the preceding evening, when knock
ed down bully, and kicked HIM out of
doors, for striking an old man. was circua-
ted with favorable exaggeration. Even
my beardIess chin and Juvenile countcnance
was in my favor, for the people gave me
far more credit than derserved. The
chance business which occurs at our courts
came thronging in upon me. l was re-
peatedly employed in other causes. and by
Saturday night, when the court closed,
found myself with hundred and fifty dol
lars in silver three hundred dollars in notes,
and a horse that / Afterwards sold for two
hundred dollars more.
Never did miser gloat more oil his mon
ey and with more delight locked the
door of my room, piled the money in heap
upon the table, walked around it with my
elbow on the table, and my chin upon my
hands, and gazed upon it. Was thinking
of the money? was thinking of my it,
tie wife and home.
Another sleepless night ensued, but what
a night of golden fancies and Splendid air.
As soon as morning dawned, | was up,
mounted the borrowed horse on which /
had come TO court, and led the other which
I received as a fee. All the way was de-
lighting myself with thoughts of surprise
had in store for my wife for both of us ex-
pected should spend all the money had
borrowed, and return in debt.
Our meeting was Joyous as you may sup
pose; but | played the part of the Indian
hunter, who, when he returns from the
chase, never for time speaks ofhis success
She had prepared rustic meal for me, and
while il was getting ready, seated myself
at an old fashioned desk in one corner and
, began 10 count over my money and put it
away. She came to me before had fin
;shed, and asked me who | had collected
money for
For myself TO be sure" replied with
affected GOODNESS, - made it at court"
She looked at me for moment incredu-
lousy. tried 20 keep my countenance and
play the Indian but ii would not do. Ny
muscles began TO twitch, my feelings all at
once gave way. | caught her in my arms.
laughed, CRIED and danced about the room
like crazy man. From that time forward
we never wanted money.
SCOTCH DEGREEs.--When the University Of
Saint Andrews sold her honors, a certain min
lister, who deemed that his ministrations would
be more acceptable and more useful If he pos
sessed what the Germans call the docior-hat.
put Els in his purse, and went to Saint An
drcws to purchase for himselfa good degree
His man-servGnt accompanied him. and was
, present when his master was admitted 10 The
! long desired honor. On his return, the doctor
sent for his servant and addressed him some.
what as follows &c Moo Saunders, yell aye be
sure 10 ca me The doctor and gin onybody
spires at you ABBOTT me, yell be aye sure 10 say
the doctors in his study, or, the doctors enga-
ged. or, the doctor will see you in crack"
THAT depends" was the reply, whether
!, We ca me the doctor loo. (The reverend doc.
, !, tor stared.) Ay, its just so,' continued the
, man 'for when find that it cost so little,