Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1853-12-16

for the purpose Of what he called 'testing the
boys honesty" 1t was placed, where from It's
very position the lad would oftenest see it. and
least suspect the trap. A day passed, and the
master, to his modification, not pleasure, found
the coin untouched. Another day passed. and
yet his object was not gained. He was, however,
determined that the boy should take it, and so let
it remain.
This continued temptation was too much for
the lads resistance. The dime was taken. A
simple present for that little sister purchased
with it. But while returning home to gladden.
/ her heart, his was made heavy by being
rested sIerC crime nature of which he
little knew. These circumstances were sustained
by several of his employers workmen who
also parties to the plot. An attorney urged upon
the jury the necessity of making the % little
rouge" an example to others, by punishment
His address had great effect upon all who heard
it. Before, j could see many tears of sympathy
for the lad, his widowed mother and his faithful
sister. But their eyes were all dry now, and
looked as if they cared for, or expected aught
else bot conviction. The accuser sat in a con-
spicuous place, smilingas if in fiend-like exulta
tion over the misery he had brought upon that
poor, but once happy trio. We felt that there
was but little hope for the boy and the youthful
appearance of the attorney who had volunteered
his defence, gave no encourag agement-as we learn
ed that it the young mans maiden plea
his first address, He appeared greatly confused
and reached to a desk near him, from which he
took the Bible that had been used to solemnize
the testimony. This movement was received
with general laughter and taunting remarks
among which we heard harsh fellow close by
cry out
lie forgets where he is Thinking to take
hold of some ponderous law book he las made
mistake and got the Bible"
The remark made the young attorney flush
with anger, and turning his flashing pcye upon
the audience, he convinced them it was no mis-
take, saying Justice wants no other book"
His confusion was gone, and instantly he
calm the sober judge the bench
The Bible was opened, and every eye was up
on him, as he quietly and leisurely turned over
the leaves. Amidst a brcathless silence, he read
to the jury this scntenoe-
& Lead not INTO temptation."
We felt our heart throb at the sound of those
words. The audience looked at each other with
| out speaking-and the jurylnon mutely exchan-
scd glances, the appropriate Quotation carried
its moral to their hearts. Then followed an ad
dress which, for its pathetic eloquence, we have
never heard exceled. It's influence was like ma
gic. We saw the guilty accuser leave the room
in fear Of personal violence The prisoner locked
hopeful-the mother smiled again-and, before
| its conclusion. there not eye in the court
| that was not moist. The speech, affecting to
that degree which caused tears, held its hearers
| spel-bound
The little time that necessary to transpirc
before the verdict of the jury could be learned
was period of great anxiety and suspense. But
when their whispering consultation ceased, and
those happy words, g Not guilty" came from
the foreman, they passed like thrill ofeectrcity
| from lip to lp-the anstere dignity of the court
was forgotten, and not voice was there, that
/ did not Join in the acclamation that hailed the
| lads release.
The young lawyers first plea was successful
| one. He was soon favorite and now represents
/ his district in the councils of the Commonwealth
! The lad has never ceased his grateful remcm-
brances-and we, by the affecting scene herein
| attempted to be described have often been led
! to think howmanifold greater is the crime of the
tempter, than of the tempted.