The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-05-21

Mr.. Fairfax admonishtd him, that Ed.
ward was innocent, bu, his reason could
not shut out The astounding appearances,
so fearfully against him. He bent upon
Edward one Of bis sc,utinizing glances,
which the latter bore with unwaverinC
calmness, and with, perhaps, a slight
tinge OF scorn, that saowed itself around
the corners Of his thin lips. The confer
ence between them was long and interest
ing, and when Mr.. Fairfax left, it WAS
with the fullest conviction, that Edward
rds not the author Of the forgery.
Ever since the exciting day Of the ar.
rest, his mind had ',een in n continual fer
msnt; earnestly had he been engaged in
Edward's behalf, but not one particle Of
evidence, in any form, could lie CLEAN in
his favor. lie did not cease his exertions,
however, and rs one means Of serving the
prisoner. lie determined TO w,ite to his
father, hoping that the umbrage with his
son Was not so great, but that he might
be induced TO exert his powerful name
and influeRcs in bis behalf. That he WAS
the son Of Senator Malcolm, was not yet
publicly known. but il could not long he
concealed; and his having concealed =
portion Of his name, would doubtless, on
the trial, prove powerful weapon in the
hands Of the States Attorney.
Mr.. Fairfax did not neglect to secure
counsel for the prisoner; his own lawyer,
Mr.. H"mpiel'e. very intelligent practi
toner, had been in constant attendance,
and several days before the trial, he visit.
ed the office of the celebrated Mr.. b.
for the purpose Of engaging tia, profound
jurist and taciition on the side of the dc
fence. Mr.. b was in his Office, apd Mr..
Fairfax Immediately made known to Him
tho object o: his visit.
81 have already been retained" said
the distinguished lawyer.
Indeed! for the prosecution 7"
No, for the defeuce"
"Oh, Mr.. Carlton, then, has commits
stoned some one to engage youf"
No, sW, I have not heard from Mr..
Carlton. neither AIN in possession Of any
OF the facts Of the case, and as you came
in, las just on the point Of visiting the
prisoner"
"MSy enquire, then, Who has engag.
ed you IN hi, bel.alfI"
THAT, ] cannot tell you, inasmuch as
am not informed myself Nv client i,
pleased TO reta ,in incog but this little
note will explain to sou all that l know" !"
The lawyer handed to Mr.. Fairfax the
following, written in = small and elegan,
hand, which We copy verbatim:
"JANUARY, - lS4--.
my Dear Sir :-Enclo,ed is a check
On the Bank Of - for $500, which
sun, is at your service. on conditions that
| will state. have Just seen it reported,
that young man named Edward Carl
ton, OF your city, stands charged With the
crime Of forgery. send you this with
the nope aud the BELIEF, that he is limo.
cent, aud that your eminent talents may
assist to clear his character from the helm.
Gus imputaiion. ask your noLlest efforts
in his causs, Snd my lasting gratitude shall
be yours.
In confidence and hope,
Yours truly.
P%+***"
at is dictated 10y noble heart, and ev.
identity lady's," said Mr. Fairfax, "Hsve
you no idea from whence it came T.
"None in the least" answered Mr. B..
fro.n some one .Lo fe ,ls powerful
interest in his cause; d .ha, you hs~. ti.e
clearest proof"
Most palpsble proofs" said the law
yer, displaying the handsome check, with
eviden, signs Of great cosapl AGENCY.
Ar. Fairfax then proceeded 10 state ev
cry feature Of the case, so far as he knew.
Edwards real name; the cause Of disrup.
iiea wi,k his father; his cen opinion n
his character, and the evidence Of his
guilt, wers al sincerely detailed 20 the
lawyer.
"An ugly case" said the counsel,
Had he any enemies I"
"None ihst I know Of: he was not OF
. character rkely TO form eaemies."
"Perhsrs not; but l think you init
mated a partiaIiiy for him rs clerk, and
evinced it, probablyr
"WelL yes, ] increased his salary rap
idly bot tue vasse 6 his services was
also enhanced, III proportion"
/" lie WAS in fair way, then, TO soon
occupy an enriobis position in your
House 7"
"Yes, but his operations were Of dif.
ferent character, and isolated from the
other clerks; 50 that he could not be 10
them an object Of envy"
How was he employed differently;
was he under your immediate superintsn.
dance 7"
"No, he WAS under, and engaged in the
counting room With, the Head Clerk"
"Ah, with tue Head Clerk; n rising
competitor: ahem; his salary and pros
poets rapidly inproving," continued the
lawyer, musingiy-
A pause Of q few moments, and he
asked:
"Where did he board r.
Mr. Fairfax gave him the address Of
Mrs. Fleming, which be took down, apd
ihcp ,rpayk@d;