The Shasta courier., 1860-01-07
A FIRST Rate story for Lawyers.

It is probable that any lawyer of note has
heard or read of the celebrated Luther Martin,
of Maryland. His great effort in the case of
Aaron Burr as well as his displays in the SEN
ate of the United States, will not be forgotten.
Trihes in the history of genius are important, as
we hope to show in the story.
Mr.. Martin was on his way to Annapolis, to
attend the Supreme Court of the State. A soli-
tary passenger was in the stage with him, and,
as the weather was extremely cold the passen-
gers soon resorted to conversation to divert
themselves from too much inclement air. The
young man knew Martin by sight, and as he was
also a lawyer, the thread of talk soon began to
spread itself out on legal matters.
Mr. Martini said the young man, I" am just
entering on my career as lawyer; can you tell
me the great secret of success? If sir, you will
give from your experience the key to distinc-
ton at the bar | will
"Will what?" exclaimed Martin
"Why, sir, will pay your expenses at An
napolis."
"Done. Stand to your bargain now, and I'll
furnish you with the great secret of my success
as a lawyer"
The young man assented.
every well" said Martin. I" The whole Sc
cret of my success Is contained in one little
maxim, which early laid down TO guide me-
If you follow it, you cannot fail to succeed. 1t
is this: Aiscays be sure Of your evtdence."
The listener was very attentive-smied-
threw himself back in philosophical posture,
and gave his brain to the analysis with true
lawyer patience, of "Always be sure of your ev-
idence."
1t was too cold . p;
made pecunarily out of this old mans wisdom,
and so the promising adept in notwithstanding
gave himself to stage dreams in which he was
lrun o.,1 81, h
world by the all-powerful words, "Always be
sure ofyour evidence"
The morning came and Mr. Martin, with his
practical student took rooms at the best hotel
in the city. The only thing peculiar to the ho-
tel, IN the eyes of the young man, was that the
wine bottles and the extras of fine living seemed
to recall very vividly the maxim about the evil
dence.
The young man watched Mr.. Martin. Wher-
ever eating and drinking was concerned, he was
indeed man to be watched, especially in the
latter, as he was lmmoderately fond of the after
dinner after supper, after everything luxury OF
wine. few days were sufficient to show the
incipient legalist that he would have to paw
dearly for his knowledge, as Mr.. Martin seemed
resolved to make the most of his part of the con-
tract.
Lawyers whether young or old, have legal
rights, and so the young man began to think of
the study of self-protection. 1t was certainly q
solemn duty. ltran through all creation. Com
mon to animals and men, it was common in
stinct not to be disobeyed, particularly whers
hotel bills of lawyer were concerned. The
subject daily grew on the man. 1t was all-ab-
sorbing to the mind and the pocket \ week
elapsed, and Mr.. Martin was ready to return to
Baltimore. So was the young man, but not in
the same stage with his illustrious teacher.
Mr.. Martin approached the counter in the bar
room. The young man was an anxious specta-
tor near him.
"Mr. Clerk" said Mr.. Martin, "my young
friend, Mr.. - will settle my bill, agreeable to
the engagement"
The young may said nothing, but looked every
thing
I" He will attend to it, Mr.. Clerk, as we have
already had definite understanding on the
subject. He is pledged, professionally pledged,
to pay my bill" he hurriedly repeated
" Where is your ecidence2" asked the young
man.
" Evidence !" sneered Martin.
ayes, sir" said the young man, demurely-
Allcays be sure cfyOar evidence, Mr.. Martin. Can
you prove the bargan?'
Mr.. Martin saw the snare, and pulling out his
pocket book, paid the bill, and with great good
humor assured the young man: You will do
sir, and will get through the world with your
profession without advice from me-"