The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-09-26

out when you went 2"
mo, sir | did not"
"You might have done So"
"But didn't sir"
"You could not have dropped it, then, in
your hurry as you went ?"
81 didn't hare it left it on the counter,
near where this boy was putting up the
goods. And I've the opinion that he took
it, sir"
"You came back how soon T."
"Within five minutes, or So"
"And the boy was gomez
"Yes, sir, and the pockct-book," added
the witness, sharply
"That is all, sir, remarked.
And the gentleman sat down.
had not made much progress, rs yet !;
but | then asked the lad to stand up; when
| spoke to him kindly, and said
johnny, why did you hurry out that
night as soon as this gentleman left, as he
says you did 2"
cause mother was dreadful sick" said
he, tearfully IAN me an my little brother
Neddy was all t she had to take care of
her. An went straight home, an didn't
know nothin' bout no money o that mans
no way" - ..,.
"You went home because your mother
was sick How long has she been i'll 2"
"a good while, SIR"
"But why did you not return to your
work Why were you absent three days
just then 2"
"Mothcr's dead, sir" said the boy, sad
ly.
"When did she die"
THAT night, sir An l stad away,
cause had to 90 to her funeral with Ned
dy, and he's all alone now SIR"
"And you know nothing about this lost
pocket book 2"
II never have seen it in all my life, sir |!
an | don't steal nothin'-never for poor
mother alters said I must be honest, if
starved an God would know it, even if
boys go to the bad place, sir. I've never
stole nothin,' sir-neoer !"
Here the little fellow burst into tears, and
could say no more.
While-I confess i'll was wiping my
own eyes briefly, l observed that his Hon
or was actually busily engaged in the same
occupation. But the courtroom was Close
and it was warm day. Perhaps it was
perspiration.
"Your Honor,"I said, after a moment of
silence and clearing of the throat, "the
prosecution here have surely no case for
conviction. l don't believe that this boy
knows any more of this lost money than
you or do 1t has not been found in his
possession, he had no chance to spend it !;
nobody testifes that he ever had it, save on
suspicion; and cannot think that your
Honor will imprison this child, who has so
touchingly, though innocently, explained
himself, upon what Is, at the most, but CIR
cu0astantial evidence.
"He says he is parentess, and / think
your Honor will not doubt this assertion.
The dead mother, whose form he has Just
seen laid under the sod, was plainly good
and true woman; Johnny has not been
taught at home to be thief, evidently
1 crave the leniency of the Court in this
lads behalf, and | ask that Johnny may be
discharged since there is no direct evidence
here against him."
"You can go, Johnny" said the Clerk
with unusual pleasantness, for him, Il mo-
thing briefly to his tsnubordina1tes" and FIN I'M
mediately adjourned the court, to the evil
dent establishment of the boys accusers.
l shook the poor fellows hand, took him
out of the courtroom with me, told him
him running down the street rs fast as his
little legs could carry him, soon after this
reversed decision of his Honor.
The result of my voluntary effort in this
little affair was very gratifying to me; for
felt assured that the boy was innocent
But the most agreeable part of this case
was yet in reserve for me.
About month later, a poorly dressed
lad entered my law-office one cold, raw
morning. cap in hand, whom I quickly
recognized as Johnny who said:
"Good mornin" Mr.. s.. You was
kind enough to help ME out, in the court,
t'other day, SIR"
EYES," said, 81 remember you. Come
to the fire, Johnny"
"Thank you, sir. t'spooty cold, SIR"
every. Where is your overcoat 7"
"a what, sir9"
"Your overcoat-outside jacket2"
"Bless you, sir, ha'n't got none. But
1 don't mind it. Pm used to it sir. l only
come to thark you, sir; an to say that it's
all right about the pocket-book. The mans
found it."
"Where3 HOWE" asked, with deep
interest.
"Well, did it up, in my hurry to get off
that night, in one of his big bundles that
be bought. He didn't find it for a week,
cause he didn't open the parcel at home
at it got worked into somehow don't
know how. But he went and told my old
master about it-who turned me off, you
know, for stealin' it, when did not know
nothin' about it-an' one O. the shop boys
told me about ityesterday."
congratulated the lad, and then induced
him to give me his history.
He was now an orphan; an intelligent,
but uneducated boy and one who had been
bred in poverty, but honestly.
His good mothers counsels and teaching
had had salutary effect upon his mind,
and an influence which was lasting con-
| ceived.
| He was out ofwork, and wanted employ
ment. recommended him to a ncighbor,
and secured him good place subsequent
ly.
He was always very grateful to me for
the service had so accidentally rendered
him in the court, and he proved himself to
be thoroughly honest and good servant
in the years that followed that little Incl
dent.
This event is one which confirms me in
my opinion that it is unsafe to convict upon
circumstantial evidence only - however
strong that evidence may be.
For The Agis and Lntelingencer.
Railroad Affairs.
A few days since the Wilmington Dela-
4 Al.