The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1872-07-11
T11 roRTu1s1 Or Law.

schoolfellow of mine, who, though
young was a barristcr Of some cmi.
hence, when the conversation turned
upon his career.
People" lie said, give me credit
for much more than l deserve. They
compliment me on having attained my
position by talent, and sagacity. and
all that; but the fact is, / have been an
extremely lucky man--I mean as re-
CARDS opportunities. The only thing
for which can really consider myself
entitled 10 credit is, that have always
been prompt to take advantage Of
them.'
But l observed. you have a
high reputation for legal knowledge
and acumen. l have heard several
persons speak in terms of great praise
OF the manner in which you have con-
dncted some of Your last cases."
aAh! yes lie returned" when man
is fortunate, the world soon finds fine
things in him. There is nothing like
gliding to hide imperfections and
bring out excellencies. But will
give you one instance of what call
my luck. It happened year or two
ago, and before l was quite MS well
known as Lam now, il was a trivial
thing in itself, but very important in
its consequences to me, and has ever
since been fresh in my memory. l
had been retained in behalf Of gem
tlenan who was defendant in an action
for debt, brought against him by a
bricklayer, to recover the amount Of
q bill, stated to be due for building
work done on the gentlenlan's premi-
ses. The owner refused payment OH
the ground that verbal contract had
been made for the execution of the
work, at a price less by one-third than
the amount claimed. Unfortunately
he had no witnessesto the fact. The
man denied the contract alleged that
no specifications had been made, and
pleaded finally, that IL such contract
had been entered into, il was yitiated
by alterations, to all, of which he was
prepared to swear, and had his assist
apt also ready to certify the amount of
labor and material expended. gave
my opinion that it was a hopeless
case, and that the defendant had bet
ter agree to a compromise Than INCUR
any further expense. However, he
would not. and was fain 10 trust TO
the chapter of accidents for any chance
of success.
Near the town where the trial was
to take place lived an old friend Of
mine, who, after the first days assizc.
carried me off in his carriage 10 dine
and sleep at his house, engaged to
drive Inc over next morning in time
for this case, which stood next on the
INST Ma. E9itten, 0tile gentleman in
question was there also, and we had
another discussions as to the prospects
of his defence. r know the fellow
said he, to be thorough rascal, and
it is because | feel SO confident that
something will come out to prove it,
that l am determined TO persist l
said hoped 1t might be SO, and we re-
tired to rest
After breakfast, the next morning,
my host drove me over in his dog-cart
to the assize town. We were just en-
tering the outskirts when. from turn
ing down by the old inn and posting
house, where the horse was usually
put up, there came running towards MS
lad pursued by a man, who was
threatening him in a savage manner.
Finding himself oyertaken, the lad,
after the custom of small boys in such
circumstances. lay down. curling him
self up. and holding his hands ciasped
over his mead. The man approached,
and after beating him roughly with
his fist, and trying to pull him up
without success. took hold of the col
lar of the boys coat, and Knocked his
head several times on the ground.
We We're just opposite at the moment
and my friend babe him let the lad
alone, and not be such brute. The
fellow scowled, and telling us, with an
oath, to mind our own business, for the
boy was his own. and he had right 10
beat him if he pleased, walked of, and
his victim scampered away in the OPP
posite direction.
The dog-eart was put up, aud we
presently went on TO the court. The
case was opened in an ofl.hand style
by the opposite counsel, who charac-
terized the plea of contract as shall
low evasion, and called the plaintiff rs
his principal Witness. What was my
surprise to see get into the box the very
man whom we beheld hammering the
boys head on the curbstomc an hour
before! An idea occurred TO me at the
moment, and lalf-avcrtcd my face
from it; though, indeed, il was hardly
likely he would recognize me under
forensic wig. lie gave his evidence
ina positive, defiant SORT OF way, but
very clearly and decisivcly. lie had
evidently got his story well by heart,
and was determined TO stick to it.
rose and made show OF cross-exami-
lining him till saw that he was irrita-
ted and denying things in a wholesale
style. He had been drinking, too,
thought, Just enough to make him in-
solent and wresfiess. So, after a few
more important questions, Iasked him
in a casual tone e
You are married, Mr.. Myers
Yes, am
And you are a Kind husband, siip-
poseT
y suppose so; what then ~
Have any children blessed your
union, Mr.. Myers
The plaintiff i counsel here called on
the Judge to interfere. The questions
were irleyelant and dimpertinent in the
matter in question.
y pledged my word to the court that
they We're neither. but had a very inn
iportant bearing upon the case, and was
allowed 10 proceed. ] repeated my
question.
4-i have II boy and girl
PRAY how old are they.'
d The boys twelve, and the girl nine
believe
Is All! well, suppose you are an at
tectionate father; as well as kind
husband. Yon are not iE the habit of
beating your wife and children. are
youT
II don't see what business II is of
yours. No! 1 amt.
.Iondon't knock Your son about,
for example%
No! don't (IIe was growing
downright savage, especially as the
people In the court began 10 laugh.)
You don't pummel him with your
fist, ell p
sNo. / don't.
Cor knock his head upon the ground
in this manner? p (and wrapped the
table with my knucklcs.)
No' Qndignantly.)
You never did such thing:
sNov
You swear to that!'
'Yesv
All this time ! had never given hinl
an opportunity of seeing my face;
t..r, y n n 4. n y