The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-03-08

was to be expected they successiyely faile
TO give u satisfactory answer.
Fortunately, il was otherwise with nv
self. knew enough Of the previous life an
practice OF the qucstioner to form rigi
conclusion as to what he regarded as th
first duty of a lawyer.
To receive fee, | replied.
Right, said the old gentleman, with
smile OF satisfaction. You are qualified
practice.
1t is not easy to conjecture why, but thi
little incident came to my mind the momen
saw him scribbling on the scrap Of paper
And thought OF it afterward, when | dis
covered the purpose for which the paper wa
intended.
Having folded the paper over in the mid
die, he wrote word or two ON the back o
il. and handed it to the gentleman next Il
him, and he to the next, and 80 on till |
reached the bench. then perceived tha
twas addressed to the Judge, who opened i
and glanced at the contents. Whateye
they were. il was evident from what imme
diately followed, that they met his entire mp
probation for smile passed over his coun
tenance, and hc said addressing mo by my
name
Charles Carville, assign you as counse
for the prisoner
Had a bomb-shell exploded in our midst
could not have been more Suddenly sur
prised. started to nv feet, stared at tn,
Judge for moment, and then resumed my
seat, completely bewildercd.
drew a deep long breath to expel the in
voluntary emotion, which, if not absolute
ly fear, was something 80 near akin to it Al
scarcely TO deserve another name. AnC
then | addressed tie Court.
If your honor please, | began. but my
voice sounded unnatural, and the words
stuck in my throat.
The Judge looked down into my confused
countenancc with benign smile, and spoke
TO me in a tone OF encouragement, produc'
ing the very effect he desired. Proceed
Mr.. Carville,' he said, laying aside his pen
with which he had been making ncmoran'
da ON the calender.
This is very sudden, i stammered.
Surely, he replied. But no moro SC
than il would have been to another
II is duty with which many present
are familiar, | returned.
And one which you ought to be able to
discharge he argued.
Ii is entirely new 10 me- insisted.
1t is once new to every one hc rejoined.
I was completely non-plussed.
Besides, he continued, glancing at the
scrap of paper which Father Miles had sent
him, competent examiners have certified
your ability, and one of them assures me
that you cyinced practical knowledge oi
your profession greatly in advance OF your
class
knew in an instant what il was the cx-
aminer alluded to. though | am confident
the Judge did not till afterwards. And as
quickly perceived that it was the determine
ton OF more than my aged irieud, then and
there to put in practice my alleged superior
qualifications.
On this discovery, my frst impulse was in
dignatiOn. But had desire not to bC
lowest in my profession, and instantly resolv,
cd to disappoint the enemies who hoped
would not succeed and the friends who fear
cd would fail. With IN effort complete
ly mastered my emotion.
| beg your honor's pardon, remarked,
with my usual cOmpOsure. You mistake
the object of my objection. 1t was made be
CAUSE | sympathizs with the unfortunate
prisoner, who, being here without friends is
in my opinion, entitled to defence which
shall embrace all the Advantages OF long ex
pcricnce.'
To every person present, the change wa'
manifest liz could not be otherwise for ii
was extraordinary. The enyiO.s young mel
were not little disappointed. The spccm
tors who began to comprehend the scene
were pleased. My friends were delighted.
The Court has entire confidence in YOU
ability said the Judge.
In that case will willingly under
take the defence of the prisoner, ii have In
approbatiOn.g
As pronounced the last words, turne'
inquiringly to the young man, who with al
expression of deep anxiety upon his cOunten
adcs, had observed every emotion OF m.
mind and heart, and seemed to know m.
feelings at the moment, US well as did my
self.
Into your hands, sir, he replied, with ar
air OF unreserved confidence, am willm.
to cntrust my liberty
Hers was u turn in the scene entirely un
expected. My composurc inspired the pris
oner with hope. Ills answer increased tn
sympathies oi the spectators. Even tn
Judge began to regard the youth with pity
But not 50 the District Attorney, who hope
cd to enlarge his reputation by incarcerat
ing the iriendless stranger, for term o
years in loathsome dungeon.
1t it is consistent with n true sense o
Justice remarked, address. .ng the court
crave your indulgence till tomorrow, 4
prepare the defence Of the prisoner ?
Unjust object to any postpOncment, 'sai'
the District Attorney, springing quickly 4
his feet. The prisoner has no defence, an,
time for preparation is therefore wholly un
necessary
i know it however, and so does he,' re
piled the prosecuting attorney very confident
y..
1t may be that you are both mistaken,
returned. 1t is to ascertain this that
ask the favor
The request is not unreasonable, remark
ed the Court, and feel inclined to grant tn
postponement.'
There was murmur OF appreciation
throughout the room, for the pertinacity Q
the public prosecutor had enlarged the gen
eal sympathy for the prisoner, who begaI
to be regarded us the victim of untowar
circumstances and wholly innocent of tn
crime OF which he stood accused.
assure your honor that il is unneccs
sary indulgence insisted the District Attor
ney, adding still 10 the growing sympathy
of which he alone seemed insensible. +. Tn
facts are precisely as | stated them fe,
moments ago. And the testimony is simpl
and conclusive
0fwhat,' | demanded, in q tone Of d.
fance. That he passed the bills p
Precisely he answered, with somethin
on his face very like u sneer.
Il grant it, | said calmly, and yet D
may have defence
NO. Sir-iupossible, he answered. Gu
pbatically.
Ifit please your honor I replied, n,
II n A A.