Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-03-10

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her faith rested
1t was evening, and in the library of a
noted lawyer the lamp burns brightly,
shedding its brightest lustre upon the
face of an elderly gentleman sitting by
the table, busily coming the endless
parchment, in preparation for the COM
ing court term.
Lines of care and suffering cross the
broad, high brow, and shadow the dark
eyes with kindly look, as though he
had passed through the fiery furnace of
sJrrow.
He is interrupted by a servant an
nouncing "a woman on business, sir, .
and with kind respectful air he rises to
greet the poorly clad woman; but, as he
motions her to seat, and inquiries her
business, he gives no signs of recognl-
ton. Probably they are strangers ; but
that cannot be-yes it is-the fairy-hke
Wellie Washburne of our memory, and
the Welthia Wynne of later years; and so
changed
In voice faitering with the danger of
Il rude dismissal, she told the tale of her
husbands danger, of their poverty and
friendless situation, concluding by ask
ing him to plead her husbands cause in
the coming trial.
I'VE have no fee to offer you, but we
will labor as your slaves our lifetime.
Oh, do not refuse me (! What is so little
TO you, is life or death to us J" and a
gasping sob closed the appeal.
He hesitated no longer, but said,
Il am very busy but ! will do my best
r L.
lose no time in writing to his former ac-
quaintances, to certify to his previous
good character and If you will give me
the address will write in the morning. +"
''You may address my fathers broth
er, Lemuel Washburne, Id, Con-
necticut."
Suddenly the lawyer wheeled around
and peered curiously at her.
us l. ID your native place, Mrs.
Wynne? ?" :.
ut is. My father was a lawyer there. :"
''And your name was--?"
''Weltiia Washburne.
''My God, / thank thee came fer
-ventlv from his lips, but, rising, as he
noted the look of astOnishment with
which she regarded him, he added,
pardon me, madam. 1t is unsafe in
the streets. will send the carriage to
take you home.''
And lie rang the bell for the servant,
scarcely needing the expression of graf
itude poured forth by the pale, careworn,
but hopeful, thankful woman, as she
left him alone.
That night, as he restlessly paced the
luxurious apartment, he thought OF that
4
a gleeful child, plead to save him from
fate worse than death, and a prayer OF
thankfulness assembled to the Great
Being that it was his privilege to restore
ght and happiness to that desolate
home-that in this hour of peril, the
hand of Providence had led her to his
Willingness, thrice willingly given
aid while in the low tenemen room
where Welthia Wynne laid her children
to rest, innocent babyhood breathed a
prayer for ''the good gentleman who
was going to bring papa back.
After an anxious day of waiting, the
morning of Edward Wynne's trial came,
and found the busy lawyer at his post. He
had never worked upon an almost hope
less case with greater energy but he had
gained clue and he was satisfied.
Impassionate he sat. until the princi-
pal witness against the prisoner was call
ed, and had given his testimony, then
with stern countenanee he arose and
address sed the man:
.'What time in the evening was it you
saw the prisoner concealng the money!"
he asked. .iglfes9e - taIL
cat at half past seven" faltered the
creature, quailing beneath the searching
look
s.And can prove that at half-past
seven you were ina saloon on Fourth
Street"
And hastily following up his advant-
age, the man was soon arrested Tor the
robbery, and overcome by fear. he con-
fessed the deed. -,
That night Edward Wynne sat Wltn
his family, talking gratefully OF the late