Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-03-05
MISGELLA NE0US.
From the DanvilIs IN. W Fxpres..l
a Case of Consoience---A Lawyer with
Conscientious Scrnples.

We have lately heard capital story con-
uected with a prominent lawyer of onr viii
lage, who has distinguished himself in the
defence of criminals, as we'll as in connection
with other trials, having frequently, through
his skill, aided the most hardened criminals
to escape from justice: Some time ago, while
our friend was attending court in an adjoin-
ing county, he was applied to by a singular
specimen Of humanity charged with grand
larceny, to defend him. The lawyer very
naturally inquired what crime he was accused
of. The party accused replied that somo-
body had been mean enough to charge him
with stealing $3.50 in bank notes, and had
got him indicted.
"Are you guilty 2" asked the lawyer
"That's none of your business" replied the
accused. They say that makes no differ
ence 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 guilt till
you hear what the jury says"
''Well, what about the pay ?" siad the law
yer.
''You just hold on till the trial is over !;
give Il (the complaiuant) fits on the
cross. examination, aud that other fellow he
has got to back him up, and you'll have no
trouble about the pay"
The trial commenced and proved to be a
somewhat PrOtracted and exciting one. The
District Attorney proved that the money in
question was composed of two $50 bills on
certain bank, and the remainder all in $40
bills. all of which were wrapped up in piece
OF oil silk. The jury, after listening to the
counsel 10 the case, and receiving the charge
of the Judge, retired, and sooa returned with
verdict OF not guilty. The accused, who
was greatly clatcd with the result of the trial
and the effort of his counsel, invited the lat
ter into one of the vacant jury rooms. As
soon they were alone he slapped his coun>
sci on the shoulder, and exclaimed:
''Frec as water, amt [? Whats the use
of trying man for stealing when you're
around! Now | suppose you want pay 2"
Yes; have you got anything to pay with ?"
said the lawyer.
LEND me your knife and we'll see about
that"
The lawyer, slightly startled at such pro-
position, rather reluctantly complied The
accused Immediately commenced ripping and
cutting away at the waistband of his panta-
looms, and soon produced the roll of bills for
the stealing OF which he had just been tried,
wrapped up in the identical piece of oil silk
described by the witnesses for the prosecu-
ton, and throwing it down on the table before
the astonishcd lawyer, exclaimed ''There,
take your pay out of that; 1 guess there is
enough to pay you tolcrably we'll"
why, you villain! you stole that money
after ALL said the lawyer ':Do you expect
I can take any of that money ?"
''StoIc that money! Why, what are you
talking about? Didn't them twelve men up
stairs there just say didn't stealth? What's
the use of you trying to raise question of
conscience after twelve respectable men have
given their opinion On the subject? Take
your pay out of that and ask no questions. -
ba 7
enough, and you have worked hard enough
for it"
Our informant did not state how much the
lawyer took, but we presume the chap didn't
have much change left after our friend had
satisfied his conscience" in the promises.