Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-11-17
MisttIIaap.
a FORTUNATE LAWYERS Confession.

nence, when the conversation turned
upon his own career.
people" he said. "give me credit
for much more than | deserve They
compliment me on having attained my
position by talent, and sagaciiy, and
all that; but. the fact Is, / have been
an extremely lucky mani mean as
regards opportunities. The only thing
for which can really consider myself
entitled to any credit is, that j have
always been prompt to take advantage
of them"
"But," | observed, "you have a
high reputatio for legal knowledge
aad accnmen. 1 have heard several
persons speak in terms Of great praise
of the manner in which you conducted
some OF your late cases."
"Ah! yes," he returned; "when q
man is fortunate, the world soon find
kne things in him. There is nothing
like gliding to hide imperfections. and
bring out excellcnces. But will just
give you one instance OF what l call
my luck. 1t happened year or two
ago, and before / was quite as well
known as I am now; il was trivial
thing in itself. but very important in
its consequences TO me, and has ever
since been very fresh in my memory.
l had been retained on behalfof n gen-
tleman who was defendant in an ac-
ton for debt, brought against him by
n bricklayer, to recover the amount of
a bill, stated to be due for building
work done on the gentleman's premi-
ses. The owner refused payment on
the ground that verbal contract had
been made for the execution of the
work, at price less by one third than
the amount claimed. Unfortunately
he had no witnesses to the fact. The
man denied the contract, alleged that
no specification had been made, and
pleaded, finally, that II such contract
had been made. and pleaded, finally.
that il such contract had been entered
into, 1t was vitiated by alterations, to
all of which he was prepared to swear.
and had his assistant also ready TO
certify the amount Of labor and mate
rial expended. l gave my opinion that
it was hopeless case. and that the
defendant had better agree TO compro-
mise than incur any farther expenses.
However. he would, and | was fain to
trust to the chapter Of accidents for
any chance of success.
"Near the town where the trial was
10 take place lived an old friend Of
mine, who after the first days assize,
carried me off in his carriage to dine
and sleep at his house. engaging to
drive me over early next morning in
time for this case, which stood next
on the list. Mr.. Tritten. the gentle
man in question, was there also. and
we had another discussion rs TO the
prospects Of his defence. 'Iknow the
fellow said he, TO be a thorough ras-
cal. and il is because / feel so conf
dent that something will come out to
prove II that | am determined 70 per.
sist.' said hoped Il might be so,
and we retired 10 rest.
"After breakfast the next morning,
my host drove over in his dog-cart to
the assize town. We were just en-
tering the outskirts, when, from tur-
ming down by the old inn and posting
house, where the house was usually
put up. there came running towards
us a lad pursued by man. who was
threatening him in a saveage manner
Finding himself overtaken, the lad.
after the custom of small boys in such
circumstances. lay down, curling him.
self up. and holding his clasped hands
overhis head. The man approached, land
after heating him roughly with hi.
fist, and trying to pull him up with
out success, took hold Of the collar oI
the boys coat and knocked his head
several times on the ground. We
were just opposite at the moment, anc
my friend bade him let the lad alone
and.not be sucha brute. The fellow
scowled. and telling us, with IN oath
to mind our own business. for the boy
was his own, and he had a right L
beat him IL he pleased. walked off, anc
his victim scampered away in the op
posite direction.
"The dog-cart was put, and W,
presently went on 10 the court. TIL,
case opened in an off-hand style b,
the opposite council. who character
lied the plea Of a contract as a shal
low evasion. and called the plaintiff ai
principal witness. What was mysur'
prise TO secget,irto the box the very mar
whom we beheld hammering the boy'i
head on the curb-stone an hour before
An idea occurred to me at that mo
ment, anu l half averted my face
from him; though, indeed it wa
hardly likely he would recognise m,
under my forensic wig. He gave hi
evidence in a positive, defiant sort o
way. bit very clearly, and decisively
He had evidently got his story well b.
heart, and was determined TO stick L
it. l rose and made u show of cross
examining him, ill saw that he wal
getting irritated. and denying things il
a wholesale style. He had been drink
ing. too. l thought, just enough Il
make him insolent and reckless. So
after a'few more unimportant questions
| asked, in casual tone-"You ar,
married. Mr.. Myers"
Yes, I am
"'And you are a kind husband.
suppose'
"'lsuppose so: what them
"Have any children blessed your
union. Mr.. Myers?"
"The plaintiffs counsel here called
on the Judge to interfere. The ques