The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1873-07-24
Il Client for Life.

a Cttent for Life.
Vertner Ronalds was seated in his
little law Office, one pleasant after
noon not. many years ago, in the town
Of Helena, awaiting, as he had for
imOnths awaited, the coming of some
tpOor unfortunate who wanted his legal
advice. He was q handsome man,
with pleasant, intellectual face, ele-
CANT form, and graceful carriage; had
been rich, and left an orphan at an
early age; had been sent to college by
his guaIdian and the executor of his
fathers estate, and while student he
had been literally supplied with funds.
He had graduated with honor, and re-
turned home; not to remain, however,
for the cruel war was breaking forth,
and called him into the field.
1 Through the long four years strug-
Igle Vertner fought nobly on many
fields, was wounded twice, and ended
his military career as commander of
his gallant regiment.
Returning 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 faithless to the trust reposed
In him, and having lost in speculation
all the riches of his wardship, ended
by taking his own life, and thus the
former heir to wealth was left with q
mere pittanee. -
Possessing brave, energetic nature,
Vertner was not cast down by his great
misfOrtunes, but collected together his
effects and sought the far West, deter
mined to commence the practice of
his profession, which was that of law.
He was soon settled in the town of
Helena, and furnished comfortably,
and with law books around him, his
snug Office presented business-line
look, although months rolled by and
he never had a client. Upon the even
ing in question, when he was seated
in the front room of his office, still
lounging quietly and waiting for prac-
tice, a travelling carriage drawn by
two strong horses, stopped in front
of his door, and gentleman sprang
out and approached his Office.
"You are a lawyer, Sir" said the
stranger, abruptly.
al am, sir; can serve you?r
"GreatlyI 1 am in the direst dis
tress," answered the stranger.
"Come in and let me know your
troubles, and"
''But my little daughteris with me;
L will bring her in also, returned the
stranger. r...f
.iDo so, sir" answered Colonel Rom
aids; and the moment after the gentle
man returned, and with him 'tper-
feet 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 love-
illness, and whose delicate, graceful
figure, was clad in rich dark travel
ing suit.
My daughter Grace, sir" said the
stranger; and, being seated, he con-
tinued:
"My name is voorhees,, sir, and I
am New Yorker. must hasten for
in very short time shall be under
arrest. Last evening, at q roadside
inn, had the misfortune to offend
some wild young fellows from your
town, who were there making night
OF it, as they termed it. Their Ian.
gnage was vile in the extreme, and
demonstrated for the sake of my
daughter, and they used the harshest
languageto me in return. Patience
ceasing to be virtue, struck one of
them. They attacked me, and in self
defence drew my revolver and fired
on the apparent leader. He fell
corpse at my feet, and the others re-
tired in confusion. At once leaving |
the inn, drove on here, and know |
that will be arrested for the murder |
Of the young man. The inn-keeper |
told me that he was the son of one of |
your prominent citizens, and that I |
had got myself in a>seriOus trouble. |
That have done so have no doubt; |
hence, I am now in your hands. /
am not a man of wealth, sir, few
gold-my carriage and |
horses, and effects with me are all 1 |
am worth. I am New Yorker, and |
once in the metropolis, can easily |
arrange for the future; clear me of this |
difficulty, and all that I
have with me, except sufficient to car I
ry myself and daughter to New York,
are at your service. Now you know
ALL" And in suspense, Mr.. Voorhees,
awaited Vertner's reply.
"Thank you, sir, for your prompt
and explicit explanation; do not
trouble yourself about payments, sir;
your case Is not yet commenced.
While here ON trial, you viii have to
incur expenses for board, and I 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 yourself and
daughter, and your horses can be 1
stabbed with my own, for a horse is a
luxury / allow myself. Now. / will Il
make Miss Grace at home in her new
quarters, and my old servant. Susan,
will look after her wants, while we 90
to the magistrate, for you must at
once give yourself up to the authori-
tlesi and then we can arrange about
the bail. Will this plan suit you?y
You are, indeed, friend In need,
sir; am ready to place myselfin your
bands"
Weeks dragged on, and yet the trial
Of life and death continued. The
Helena authorities refused to permit
Mr.. VOORHEES,, release Oh bail, and he
was confined in the town Jail: but,
through the intereessioR of Colonel ]
Ronalds, was made as comfortable as
possible under the circumstance.
Grace Voorhees,, the devoted daugh-
ter, still remained in the cottage. and,
under the care Of old Susan, was made [
II
The young man slain by Mr.. Voor- J
1ees was the son Of Helena nabob.
md the strangers life hung by a single I
thread, for there was great prejudice s
against him. I
The end of the trial came. Vertuer
Ronalds had electrified tie Judpe.
ury, and all the court room bv his
wonderful eloquence in his speech of /
'hree hours; 9 change of Sentiment :
vas visible, the prosecution tottered !
,efOre his telling argument, and the :
uKy, after five minutes consultation. :
verdict of s'not guiltvV
The prisoner was released; and vet
hOugh he escaped an ignominious
leath upon the. galiows, he was soon | 2
o be called away by disease, for his /
Ong confinement in the damp cell O
lad hrokan dOWn his eanafifnk;ov, j a