Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-04-07
THE JUDGES STORY.

s'It was when L first began to practice, ~
commenced the Judge, lighting a cigar,
81 was admitted and opened an office in
the village-now city-of c., in the
spring of 1856. L had but little business.
and the case you have mentioned proved
to be the key to my future success. 1t was
Christmas eve; I was sitting in my office.
trying to keep comfortable the clock al
ready pointed to 1890, when the door
entered.
GA cold night, Mr.. c." he re-
marked.
Il CURLY assented, wondering what e.
rand had brought him to me so late at
night.
"Well," said he, eve have a guest at
our house who is quite anxious to see you.
and requested me to bring you up to him
if you had not retired"
II gladly put on my coat to accompany
the jailor, for I needed every cent could
earn just then, and announced myself
ready to start. 1t was not far to the Jail
and we soon arrived there. After unlock
ing the usual number of iron doors the
Tailor admitted me to the prisoners cell,
and remarked that when 1 was ready to
go he would come and let me out. The
huge iron door closed with a clang, the
bolt was sprung, and was alone with my
would-be-client. AS [ had supposed, as
soon as the TAILOR was out of hearing, the
prisoner came forward. He was a young :,
gentlemanly- appearing fellow, apparently
about twenty-four years of age. Extend
ing his hand to me he said:
Il am glad to see you, MIR. c., you
are indeed kind to come to me at this I'M
timely hour, but 1 wanted to talk to some
one, I fee that you would take an interest
in my case. haye been arrested for the
murder of Mr.. Richards, the President of
the Farmers Bank of k, and for the
robbery Of the bank. Will you not lend
me your assistance?"
81 assured him that would do all in
nv power for him if he desired to retain
me. He suddenly interrupted me by say
ing
"sI beg your pardon, 1 do wish to
retain you, to defend me in my trial, and
trial, of course, must take place. saying
which he handed me five gold double
eagles.
"sI have heard but few Of the circum-
stances of the tragedy he continued, 'as
it occurred this very evening, and I fear
there are some things that will appear to
be against me, but trust you will bring
me out all right. Do all you can, sir, en-
ploy more counsel, if necessary, but clear
me. for I am innocent
IL assured him that L had no doubt but
we could clear him. and added
"sTell me what you know Of the case
and the circumstances that you think APP
pear against you
"sWell, had a quarrel with Mr.. Rich
ards last evening, but it did not last long
I will tell you the story, sir, am clerk
in the Farmers Bank of k, of which
Mr.. Richards is President. I have been
employed there nearly five years, and
think I have attended to my duties to the
entire satisfaction Of all the officers of the
hank. and have been liked very much by
them all, particularly by the President
who has invited me to his house great
MANY times. Now, MI. Richards had 8
daughter several years younger than
am, a lady with whom 1 have not only be-
come intimately acquainted but for whom
T have conceived strong attachment
Her father discovered that 1 was deeply il
love with Clara Richards, and saw, pre-
sume. that she was not wholly Indifferent
to me. Last Sunday I dined at theil
house, by invitation of Mr.. Richards, and
during the evening told Clara the state
of my feelings, and was overjoyed to Learn
that she reciprocated my love. We agreed
that 1 should ask her fathers consent tt
OFF engagement and to our marriage as
soon as I should be able to support wife
Yon see, sir, am telling you all, said the
prisoner
usThat is right / said; lin fact it is al
important that you should tell me ALL
"sLast evening called upon Mr.. Rich
ards. and boldly asked his consent to oul
! engagement. He was very angry, ant
said was all impudent fellow, declared
should never speak to Clara again, and
in short, he insulted me. accusing me O
, taking advantage of his kindness to ingra
)tiate myself into the heart of his onl,