Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-02-23
Ths YOung Lawyers First Case.

ton of human Indications, lay sick wo.
man. She knew, aud all her friends knew
that her days were numbered, and that when
she left that room Il would be in her Wind.
| ing.sheel for the grave. Yet her face aud
/ her spirit were calm. aud the tones OF her
voice, like those Of dying swan, were
sweeler than those Of life. She had taken
an aIfeclonale leave of all her children, in
faith and hope, save one-her eldest SON
n mothers boy and mothers pride. BY
great economy and unwearied industry this
son had been sent to college. lie was
mild, inoliensiye, pale-iaced one but the
bright eye did not belle the spirit that DIV eli
in casket so frail lie had been sent for,
but did not reach home ill the day before
his mothers death. As soon as she knew
Of his coming. she Immediately had him
called TO her room, and left alone with her.
\ Long aud fearful was their conversation.
Sweet aud tender was this last interview be-
tween mother and son who had never lack
ed any degree Of confidence on either side.
"You know, my son, that II has always
been my most earnest wish and prayer that
you should be preacher OF the gospel, and
thus benclactor to the souls Of men. In
choosing the law, YOU are aware, you have
greatly disappointed these hopes"
81 know ii, dear mother; and ! have
done il, not because like the law so much,
but because dare not undertake q work so
sacred as the ministry. conscious as am
that | am not qualified in mind. OF body, or
spirit, for the work. II dared do il, for
your sake, If for no other reason, would
do it,"
"In Gods time, my dear son, in Gods
time, trust you will. neither urge il
nor blame you. But promise me now, that
YOU will never undertake any cause Wish
you think is unjust, and that you will never
aid in screening wrong from coming TO
light and punishment"
The son said something about every mans
having the right to have his case presented
in the best light he could.
81 know what you mean" said she ;
"but know that if a man has violated the
laws Of God and man, he has no moral right
TO be shielded from punishment II he has
confessions and explanations TO offer, II is
we'll But for you TO take his side, aud for
money, to shield him from the laws, seems
TO me no better than il, for money, you con.
cealed him fromlhe officers of justice, under
the plea that every man had right to gel
> clear Of the law if he could. But | am
weak, and cannot talk, my son; and yet j
J you will give me the solemn promise, il
seems as II should die easier. But you
must do as you think best"
The young man bent over his dying
: mother, and with much emotion, gave hei
the solemn promise which she desired. Ten
der was the last kiss she gave him, warn
the thanks which she expressed, aud sweet
: the smile which she wore, and which wal
! left on her counienance after her spirit ha'
: gone up to NEE, the smiles OF the Redeem
n er.
;, Some months after the death OF his mo
I Their, the young man left the shadows OF III
u Green Mountains, and toward more sum.
; region, in large and thrifty village, he open
0, ed his Office the sign gave his name, an
r under it, the words, attorney at Law.
!, There he was found early and late, his oliic
clean and neat, and his few books studio
r. over and over again, but no business. TIL
Girst fee which he took was for writing
shor, letter for his black wood-sawyer, an
> for that he conscientiously charged only
single sixpencel People spoke well Of hin
and admired the young man, but still n
business came. After waiting till "hopc d.
ferred made the heart sick" one brigl
III morning coarse-looking, knock.down so
nd of young man was seen making towaI
gSs the Office. How the heart Of the your
er LAWYER bounded al the sight OF his FIR
or client. What success, and cases, aud Tee
as. danced in bis vision in moment,
'S care you the lawyer 2" said The ma
= hastily taking of his hat.
eyes, sir, that's my business. What CT
do for you y
"Why, something Of a job, ! recko
A. The fact is, have got into little troubl
and want a bit of help" And he took o
It. FIVE dollar bill, and laid it on The tab
led The young lawyer made no motion iowa
ek' taking it.
I'd. "Why don't you take it!" said he.
osc don't call it pay, but to begin wilh-a XII
in Of wedge-whai do you call i"
eel Retention, suppose you mean"
, rs "Jnst SO, and by yonr taking il, you
the my lawyer. So take it,"
md mot quite so fast, if you please. Sli
VII your case, and then | will tell you whetl
or not take the retention fee"
9s The coarse fellow stared.
- "Why, mister, the case is simply Il
Last spring | was doing little business
lble way of selling meat So bought yo
Gnd of oxen Of old Major Farnsworh. q
ish- TO have them for one hundred dollars"
rcc avery well-what became of the oxen
one Bulchered and sold out, TO be sure
:; "By youl"
mat "Ye."