South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1867-04-12
Use 81 toascicnce-A Loryer rhh
CONSCIENTIOUS Ncrnlks.

N~'Se ''tF"c N>fFelfNs.
We have lately heard capital story con.
nected with a prominent lawyer Of our vii.
lage, who has distinguished himself in the
defence Of criminals, as well as in conncc.
ton with other trials, having frequently,
through his skill, aided the most hardened
criminals TO escape from justice. Some time
ago, while cur friend vas attending in
an adjoining county, he was applied TO by a
singular specimen ofhumauity charged with
grand larceny, to defend him. Thelawyer
very naturally inquired W hat crime he was ac-
cused of The party accused replied that
somebody had been mean enough TO charge
him with stealing $3.50 in bank notes, and
ha got him indicted
'Arc you guilty ?" asked the lawyer.
"That's none of your busincss," replied
the accused. "They say that makes no diff.
ference with you, whether man is guilty
or not, you will contrive to dig him out in
some way. So don't talk any more about be-
ing guilty till you hear what the jury says"
Well what about the payy" said the
lawyer.
"Iou just hold ON till the trial is over
give 1.-the complsinanD fits on the cross
examination, and that other fellow he has
got to back him up, and you'll have no
trouble about the pay"
The trial commenced and proved 10 be
somewhat protraoted and exciting one. The
District Attorney proved that the money in
question was composed Of two $50 bills on
n certain bank, and the remainder all in $40
oils, all Of which were wrapped up in piece
of oil silk. The jury, after listening to the
counsel IN the case, and receiving the charge
of the Judge, retired and soon returned with
n verdict of not guilty. The accused, who
was greatly clated with the result of the tri
al and the effort of his counsel, invited the
Later into one of the vacant jury rooms. AS
soon as they were alone he slapped his coun.
sci on the shoulder, and exclaimed:
Gree as water, amt ? What's the
use of trying man for stealing when you
are around Now | suppose you want your
pay p
eyes; have YOU got anything to pay
with p said the lawyer.
Lend me your knife and well see about
that"
The lawyer slightly startled at such
proposition, rather reluctantly complied.
The accused Immediately commenced rip
ping and cutting away at the waistband Of
his pantaloons, and soon produced the roll
Of bills for the stealing of which lie bad
just been tried, wrapped up in the identical
piece Of oil silk described by the witnesses
for the prosecution, aud throwing it down
on the tublc before the astonishcd lawyer,
exclaimed There, take your pay out Of
that; | guess there is enough to pay you
tolcrably we'll"
"Why, you villain you stole that mon
ey after all, said the lawyer. "Doyou ex-
pcct can take any of that money 70
"Stole that money! Why what are you
talking about Didn't them twelve men up
stairs there just say didn't steal it WHATS
the use of you trying to raise n question Of
conscience after twelve respectable men
have given their opinion on the subject
take your pay out Of that and ask no ques-
tions. Don't be modest IN taking got il
easy enough, and you nave worked hard
enough for it,"
Our informant did not state how much
the lawyer took but we persume the chap
didn't have much change left after our friend
had satisiedhis conscience in the premises.
-Domr'He { V. ~ ElPress.