Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1872-08-16
Gelette0 AlisfrIlanD.
The Fortune of Law.

was chatting one day with an old school
fellow of mine who, though young, was a
harrisier of some eminence, when the CONVEX
salion turned upon his own career.
People" he said, give me credit for
much more than ! deserve.' They compl
ment me on having obtained my position by
talent, aud sagacity, and all that; but the
fact is, have been an extremely lucky man
| mean as regards opportunities. The only
thing for which can really consider myself
entitled to any credit is, ! always have been
prompt to take advantage OF them
Butt observed, "you have high repu
tation for legal knowledge and acumen.
have heard several persons speak in terms OF
great praise of the manner in which you have
conducted some OF your last cases.
| @ All yes, he returned when gen
teman is fortunate, the world soon finds fine
| things in him. There is nothing like gliding
| to hide imperiections and bring out excellen-
cies But will give you one instance of what
| call my luck. 1t happened a year or two
ago. and before was quite rs well known as
| ] am now it was trivial thing in ITSELF but
very important in its consequences to me, and
! has ever since been very fresh in my memory
| ! had been retained on behalf Of a gentleman
| who was defendant in an action for debt,
| brought against him hy n bricklayer to recov-
er the amount Of bill stated to be due for
building work done on the gentleman 8 place.
The owner refused payment on the ground that
Il verbal contract had been made for he exccu-
ton of the work, at price less by one-third
than the amount claimed. Unfortunately he
had no witnesses to the fact. The man denied
the contract, alleged that no specification had
been made, and pleaded that if such contrac,
had been entered into it was vitiated by altera-
tons, TO all of which he was prepared to
swear, and bis assistant 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 better agree to a
compromise than incur any further expense.
However, he would not, and | was lain to
trust to the chapter Of accidents for any chance
Of success.
" Near the town where the trial was 10 take
place lived an old friepd Of mine, who after
The first days assize, carried me Off in his car
rage to dine and sleep al his house, engaging
to drive over next morning in time for this
case, which stood next on the list. Mr.. Trt-
ten, the gentleman in question: was there also,
and we had another discussion as to the pros
poets Of his defence. j know the fellow, said
he, 50 he Il thorough rascal and feel conf
dent that something will come out to prove it,
that am determined TO persist. ] said hope
il might be so. and we retired to rest
a. fter breakfast the next morning my host
drove over In his dog-cart 10 the assize town.
We were Just entering the outskirts when,
u
house where The horse was usually put up,
there came running towards lad pursued
By man, who was threatening him in a fay-
age manner. Finding himself overtaken, the
lad after custom Of small boys in such cir
cnmsiances, lay down, curling himself up,
and holding his hands casped over his head.
The man approached, and after beating him
roughly with bis fist, and trying 10 pull him
mp and without success, took hold of the col
lar of the boys coat, and knocked his head
several times on the ground. We were just
opposite al the moment, and my friend babe
him let the lad alone, and not TO be such
brute. The fellow scowled, and telling us
with an oath, 10 mind our own business, for
the boy was bis own, and he had right TO |
beat him if he pleased, walked off. and bis
victim walked OF ia the opposite di nection.
1.-THE dog-cart was put up, and We present. |
ly went on 10 the court The case was opened |
in off hand style by the opposite counsel,
who characterized the plea Of a contract ne a |
shallow evasion, and called the plaintiff and |
his principal witness. What WIS my surprise
10 sec get into box the very man whom we
beheld hammcring the boys head on the curb
stone an hour before An idea occurred 10 me
ut that moment, and | hall-arerted my face
from him; though, indeed, it was hardly like
" ne would recognize me under my forensic
wig. He gave bis evidence IN positive de-
fning ortof way. but very clearly had got his
story well by heart, and was determined 10
stick TO it. rose and made a show Of cross
examining him till saw he WAS getting irri-
tated and denying things in a whole sale style
lie had been drinking, too, 7 thought, last
enough to make him insolent and restless So, !
after a few more nnmp0riant questions, ask
ed him in casual tone
&c You are married, Mr.. Byers7"
@ Yes / am"
:" And you are kind husband SUPPOSE
Is suppose so what them
I" Have any children blessed your union,
Hr. Myers p
q The plaintiffs counsel here called on the 4
ndge 10 interfere. The questions were ire
evant and impairment to the matter in ques-
lion.