The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-01-14

lived in a small house by himself;
led a retired exemplary life; was de-
voted to his books; taught in two
Sunday.schools; and was q candi-
date for the next vacant de9con-
ship. Warren himself would have
scorned to hint at the possibility OF
the contents of his pocket having
been tampered with by such man
as Mr.. Allgood.
At last the case came on. II
was called late in the afternoon,
and when jury had been obtain
ed, the court adjourned till next
morning.
The county-seat at which the
trial was held, being several miles
from the town at Which Mr.. West
and Mr.. Allgood, principal witness
es for the prosecution, resided, they
were obliged to remain over night.
Of course, I had no hope of a
successful result. I believed my
client guilty, and that he simply
lied when he said he wasn't.
I was vending my way to the
courthouse next morning, not
more at loss what to do to save
my client, than puzzled what to
say to save myself from looking
like fool, when stranger tapped
me on the shoulder. A few words
from him frightened me up con-
siderably. What they were will
come out presently.
The first witness was the gentle
man to whom the prisoner had de-
livered the false bills, which were
produced, identified, and their spu-
rious character proven. I allowed
the witness to go without cross
examination, as I did Mr.. West,
who was called next.
My client looked respondent.
lie evidently expected a better
show Of defence than I was ma
king.
Mr.. Allgood was then put upon
the stand for the prosecution. His
evidence Tailed exactly with that OF
Mr.. West.
For the first time I rose to cross.
examine. BY a few commonplace
questions I drew out the facts OF
his having accompanied the pris-
oner to the station, and having for
a time: shared his seat. I paused
as if at a loss what to ask next ;
then, as if suddenly recollecting
the circumstance:
"By the way, Mr.. Allgood," I
inquired, "were you aware that
your house was entered last night?'
The witness started, as man nat
urally might at such a question.
"I-I was not aware of it, he
stammered.
1t is nevertheless true" I an
swered, "and a considerable sum of
money was taken from it."
The witness looked pale and anx-
oius.
"7Vhat is the relevancy Of all
this ?" asked the judge.
81 trust I may be INDUCED a
moment" Isaid, giving his Honor
a significant look.
"Go on" he replied, evidently
understanding I had some object in
view.
"Permit me to relieve your ap-
prehensions, Mr.. Allgood," I re-
sumed; II believe it is in my pow
er to restore your money. You
will probably be able to identify
it."
His hand shook as I handed him
a goodly roll of bank-notes; but
his eyes frightened as he turned
them over.
81 recognize them," he said,
they are NINE"
He was about to put them in his
pocket, but I requested him to
hand them back for moment.
81 have finished with Mr.. ALL
good" I announced.
"Have vou any testimony for the
defence p inquired the judge.
81 have a single witness,' l an
swered.
A messenger whom I despatch
ed, returned at this point with a
stranger, who, at my request, came
forward and was sworn.
"What is your name," l began.
"Thomas North"
"Did you enter Mr.. Allgood's
house last night in his absence
"I did,"
"By what means ?"
"a skeleton key"
els the witness aware that his
answers may seriously criminate
him? asked the judge, sternly.
"IIe is quite advised of their
effect" I replied.
"Did you find this money in the
house," I continued, exhibiting
the same bills already identified by
Mr.. Allgood.
eyes"
"Did you find anything else?'".
The witness opened a vallse,
from which lie took an engraved
plate, similar to those from which
hank-hills arc printed, together