Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-07-07
CT was off," responded Goinps. in

CT was off, responded Goings, in
dignantly; Gas much off as possible
But it does not matter I shall only be
ruined. I wish had never left the
place in Pennsylvania where I was
brought up. [ shall have to go back
there again, and everybody will despise
me-"
urged him to take more cheerful
view of the situation. Admitting that
matters were pretty bad, they must still
be faced boldly. / told him to place
his interests wholly in my hands, and
not to speak of the suit to anyone at
present, and least of all, to his relatives,
the Smiths, to whom it might cause
needless anxiety. Meanwhile I would
see whether some settlement might not
be made, without the scandal and ex-
pense of trial. He gloomily assented
to my direction, but declared there was
no hope. ''She is determined to have
me-" he said, "and nothing else will
satisfy her. [ don't know what to do
with myself. I shall not be able to
sleep wink tonight. I reckon I will
go somewhere aud get drunk" I op-
posed this conclusion with some earn
estness, but the too susceptible Goings
was deaf to the voice of reason. He
declared emphatically that he would get
drunk whenever he wanted to, and
forthwith departed to put his design into
execution.
The next morning we had funereal
breakfast. Despite my prohibition,
the Misses Smith had been informed OF
their relatives legal predicament. They
sat grim and silent, burning with indig-
nation. The defendant looked sad and
seedy. His method of ministering to
''mind diseased" had sorely disagreed
with him, and he seemed to be very
proper subject for repentance and soda
water. Myself and my fellow conspira-
tors were measurably happy, but we
subdued our countenances to the pre-
valling tone. AS Goings ate nothing,
and the sisters very little, the eft for
the rest Of us was rather more liberal
than usual.
That evening I told my client that 1
had made some delicate approaches,
ooking toward an adjustment, but that
the matter was not yet ripe for action.
Twenty days would elapse before his
answer IN the suit would be required,
and meanwhile we could survey the
ground thoroughly. Haste was to be
avoided; we must act circumspectly.
The more time there was allowed, the
better were the probable results. My
assistance as negotiator was at his serv-
ice gratuitously. If this failed, it
would be time enough to employ my
attorney.
Mr.. Golngs received this advice with
very bad grace. He declared that a
fortnight's suspense would probably
kill him, and manifested rather an
alarming tendency toward helping on
his own prophecy by repeating his ex-
periences of the evening previous.
From this, however, he was deferred by
the very recent penalties which had fol-
lowed his transgressioa. [ left him
sitting dejectedly in his own room,
without even heart enough to array
himself for a call upon his latest imam
orata.
Later on, in the evening, I met him
again. A great change was apparent.
His eyes beamed with exultation.
Mr.. Reynolds" said he, "you're all
wrong about that suit I have got a
good defense to it. Judge H says
he'll manage the case for $500 and I
have employed him as my attorney"
Judge H was man of venerable
years and of ripe learning. At this
time he was one of the lecturers of our
law school. I was little disturbed by
having him brought into the case. Our
net had caught bigger fish than was
desired or expected. I gravely re-
monstrated with Goings for taking the
case, as it were, out of my hands. I
insinuated doubta as to the goodness of
the Judges opinion. My remarks
passed unheeded. The cabinet, lately
SO Respondent, was now equally joyous,
and even the prospect of paying fifteen
months salary as counsel fees was
not sufficient to disturb his equani-
nlmity.
In order that our victim might not
renew his consultations with the profess
sor, we sent him note the next day,
without signature, stating that the sup
posed suit was myth, and need g i've
him no further concern. This note was
duly delivered, but Goings made 10
sign. A day or two later I asked him
how the suit was coming on. 'sNever
you mind said ne, surlily, s'the suit
will be defended when the time
comes" "You ninny!" said I, sshaven' t
you been informed that there is. in fact,
no such suit at ala" 81 did get note
to that effect" replied he, '.but that
trick isn't going to deceive me. Judge
H says it is very stale device to
throw defendant off his guard so that
a judgment may be obtained by de-
fault. y
At this turn Of affairs [ was certainly
little surprised. I then gave to my
client true history of the transaction,
disclaiming any particular merit on my
own behalf, but assuring him that the
discipline was intended for his own
good. It is needless to dwell upon the
disgust and anger which he exhibited.
Ingratitude is always painful to contem-
plate, and he was exceedingly migrate
full. I leave this portion of my subject
to the imagination of my readers.
I drew lots with my friends as to