The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-08-28
A Client for Life.

little law-otfice, one pleasant afternoon
not many years ago, in the town OF -,
and awaiting, as he had for months
awaited, the coming of some poor unfor-
tunate who desired his legal advice. He
was a handsome man, with a pleasant,
intellectual face, elegant form and grace
ful carriage; had been rich, and left an
orphan at an early age had been sent to
college by his guardian and the executor
Of his fathers estate and literally sup
piled with funds. He had graduated
with honor, and returned home, not to
remain. however, for the cruel war was
breaking forth and called him into the
field.
Through the long four years struggle
Nertner fought nobly on many fields,
was wounded twice, and ended his mill
tary career as commander of his gallant
regiment.
Returning home from the war, Colonel
Vertner Ronalds anticipated ENJOYING in
rest and comfort his vast wealth; but
his bright anticipations were at once
darkened, for his guardian had proved
taithless to his trust, and, having
lost in speculation all the riches in his
wardship, ended by taking his own life,
and thus the former heir to wealth was
left with a mere pittance.
Possessing a brave, energetic nature,
Nertner was not cast down by his great
misfortunes, but collected together his
effects and sought the Far West, deter
mined to commence there the practice of
his profession, which was that of law.
lie was soon settled in the town of -.
4 -
books around him, his snug office pre-
sented business-like look, although
months rolled by and he never had
client Upon the evening in question,
when he was seated in the front room of
his office, still longing and quietly wait
ing for practice, a travelling carriage,
drawn by two strong horses, stopped in
front of his door, and gentleman
sprang out and approached his office.
Z" You are a lawyer, SIR" said the
stranger abruptly.
- | am, sir; can | serve your"
g Greatly | am in the direst distress"
answered the stranger.
"Come in and let me know your
troubles, and"
" But my little daughter is with me;
| will bring her in also, returned the
stranger.
''Do so, sir, answered Colonel Ron
aids, and the moment after the gentle
man returned and with him ''perfect
dream Of beauty" the lawyer thought, as
he gazed upon the lovely girl of twelve
before him, whose face, though pale, was
spiritual in its loneliness, and whose del
icate, graceful figure was clad in rich,
dark travelling suit.
" Ny daughter Grace, sir" said the
stranger; and, being seated, he con-
tinued:
=" My name is Voorhees,, sir. and / am
a New Yorker. | must hasten. for in a
very short time | shall be under arrest.
Last evening, at a roadside inn. I had
the misfortune to offend some wild Young
fellows from your town, who were there
making a night of it, as they termed it.
Their language was vile in the extreme.
| demonstrated for the sake of my dauph-
ter, and they used the harshest language
to me in return. Patience ceasing to Be
a virtue, | struck one of them. They
attacked me, and in selfdefense | drew
my revolver and fred on the apparent
leader lie fell corpse at my feet, and
the others retired in confusion. At once
leaving the inn | drove on here, and
know that | will be arrested for the MUIR
der of the young man.
The inn-keeper told me that he was
the son of one of your prominent citizens,
and that had gotten myself into serious
trouble. That | have done so [ do not
doubt; hence, l am now in your hands.
| am not a man of wealth, sir: a few
hundreds in gold, my carriage and
horses, and effects with me, are all that /
am worth. Once in the metropolis I can
easily arrange for the future clear me
of this unfortunate difficulty and all that
have with me, except sufficient to carry
myself and daughter TO New York. are
at your service. Now you know all. !"
And in suspense Mr.. VOORHEES, awaited
Nertner's reply.
Thank you, sir, for your prompt and
explicit explanation; do not trouble
yourself about payments, sir; your case
ls not yet commenced. While here on
trial, you will have to incur expenses for
board, and advise you to come at once
TO my cottage; it is humble and plain,
and besides, my office has but five rooms
two of them are at the service of your
self and daughter, and your horses can
be stabbed with my own, for a horse is
luxury allow myself Now / viii make
Miss Grace at home in her new quarters,
and my old servant Susan, will look after
her wants, while we go to the magistrate,
Tor you must at once give yourself up to
the authorities, and then we can arrange
about bail. viii this plan suit you?
lou are, indeed, friend in need,
SIR; | am ready to place myself in your
hands,
Weeks dragged on, and yet the trial Of