Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-06-20

An thS Vouioo W hhoul J'"tS " ~
most daily intercourse with Mr.. Meth
crow, l do not remember ever to have
seen him so much confused. He clear
ly perceived that. in eIiciting these
facts. | had been actuated by some ul
terror object. though what. be coult
not conjecture.
Still greater was the effect upon th'
defendant. Startled by the announce
ment, which fell upon his ear as The
swift forerunner Of a certain condem
nation, and confused by the presence
Of his neighbors. whose eyes wer,
bent upon him with an expression o
secret pleasure. he sunk back into hi
chair suddenly, overwhelmed BY
food Of emotions.
Mr.. Netherow was the first to re
cover, and he asked for an explana
tion.
my designs" I replied In man
ner that clearly evinced my confidence
"are. first. to Gle bill Ia Chancery
on b'haif of Mrs. Steel, praying for .
divorce, for alimory. for an allowanc.
to deirsy expenses and for an injunc
lion to restrain her husband from lh'
sale or other disposition Of his prop
erty rntiI the suil is determined; and
secondly. failing In this, TO have hin
arrested for perjury"
At this announcement, Steel who
had In . great measure recovered hi
composure. touched Mr.. Netherow OF
the shoulder, end drew him aside fol
consultation. During their absence
em ployed the time in writing sum
mons. When they returned, Mr.
Nstherow inquired II ! had In view
any speci6c purpose.
''Most assuredly." I answered. II
is to acquire from her husband. 70
this poor. helpless old woman. III
means Of q separate maintainance. tina
she may spend the remnant Of he
days In q home OF her owp choice, &c
cure from his brutality
There was arother slight murmur o
appreciation among the bystanders
and MIR. Netherow bit his lip to con
ceal his anger and modification.
'"what amount win you demand?'
he presently inquired.
ION this point have not consulte,
with my client" / replied. "But
you inquire with view to immediat
adjustment. l will venture to name Gv
thousand dollars, the amount Of he
sunt's legacy"
Very well." said Mr.. Netherow
81 am authorized to accept your prop
osition. Butit Is now nearly suudowl
Jet us agree on time and place.
Can the parties meet Mt my Office a
twelve o'clock tomorrow"
There being no objection to this pro
posal, II was adopted, only. however
to make way for new difficulty.
Come. Hannah. get yoursel
ready" said Steel. plucking the sleev'
Of his wife's gown.
Instantly. the thought flashed upol
my brain. that the proposed compro
mise was an artifce, to lay the founda
ton for plea TO the bill l proposed
At once l interfered.
"No. no; Mrs. Steel had better z,
home with Mr.. Digby."
81 want her to come with me-" sal,
Steel. sullenly.
Wherefore" inquired, "since OF
to morrow you will be forever separa
ted?"
eff she does not come" he replied
In an angry manner. IL will not stan,
to the bargain.
"oh. yesI yesl" cried the old wo
man, Jumping to her feet. III will 90
will gol'' Then turning to me sh
continued; imploringly. "Do let M
90. sir. dol'
"Nol" I replied. firmly. "you mus
20 with Mr.. Digby."
II would be impossible to conjectur
what might have followed. had no
Mr.. Ne,herow interprosed; for the AN
ger Of Steel had reached the highes
pitch within his control. But after
brief consultation, his anger In ,h
meantime decreasing, The conditions q
no agreement wee reailirined.
vi.
Only ono thing was necessary
complete my triumph. ] had perform
cd a alabor. and was entitled TO fes
Ny client being q married woman. b.
husband was bound for NIL lawfu
debts Of her contracting. SO I DIRE,
up n bill Tor services, and presented
TO the defendant
This was the straw that broke III
csmel's back. The anger Of Ste,
had bat partially l subsIded. and no,
Il burst forth in full fury. Such
volley OF inveclIve and profanity.
never heard proceed from tho moul
Of another human being.
i I waited quietly until he hal sper
his breath NJ COMMAND, Rnu theh shit
"WIll you pay the billY"
"NeverF" no shouted, with teri
bic oath and n furious stamp Of b
|, foot.
"As you please" ! replied. takin
from my pocket the summons ha
prepared.
This paper created new deman
for the services Of Mr. Netherow. VII,
In view Of all the circumstances, NJ
vised the payment Of my claim.
"But he wants hfty dollars" sal
Steel, dissatisfied. "Think Of that
"Well," said Mr.. Nelherow. rul
bing his chin. "lhat 10 pretty higl
seeing that tits the exact amount I =
ceived. But you had better pay It.
Having accomplished everything
. my satisfaction. | placed the gold'
| fee upon my open palm, after h
! manner Of Mr.. Netherow. and holdiI
/ II out toward that gentleman. said.
imitation Of his example, bad thoul
ii was
"Old fellow. behold There "
moro game In tho bush than you dl
: covered"
[ Mr.. Netherow had the manliness