Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-05-08
WHO STOLE THE u 1SEY.

cases. | have known several cases in
which the innocent have been grossly
wronged through this means, very
plausible instance, 1 remember, beng
in substance as follows
A pale, scared boy. some fourteen
years old, was brought into the NUM-
cipal court, in neighbOring city, one
morning, evidently in great tribu.ation,
who was arraigned upon charge oi
theft in his employers store.
what is your name asked the judge,
quietly.
Johnny Briggs, said the boy, hum
bly,.
Where do you hve:'
Down't North End, sir.
Now, Mr.. Clerk, what is the case ?
said the Judge, with some interest.
The old story, your honor replied
the clerk, familiarly. 'Thieying. He's
stolen a pocketbook, and won't give
any account Oft
Where are the witnesses?
Here. your honor. The loser Of the
money, and the boys late employer.
Has he no counsel-no friend in
court p
L haven't seen any, your honor; and
he don't look as ifhe were oyerburden-
ed in that way replied the clerk sar'
castically.
Proceed with evidence:'
The child's employer took the stand
first, and stated the case.
He WAS a well-dresssd man, but had
hard features-a worldly-minded, self
ish appearing person-and thus testifi-
ed
"A stranger came into my store,
your honor, and made purchase. He
paid me thirty dollars, ordered his
goods sent home. and went out, return
ed in a short time Cor his pocketbook,
which he missed directly, and was cer-
tain he had left it on the counter, care
lessly. This boy, Johsny, yonder, had
been with me but few weeks, and |
noticed that he hurried away out Of the
shop Immediately, and did not see him
for three days afterward. There was
nobody in the store at that time but
Johnny and l. The money was gone,
and did not steal it. He has beer
able to give me no account Of it, oil
rather, refused to do so, and there can
be no doubt that he is the thief
took him out Of the street, and set him
to work out of charity, and this is the
return he makes me. He was poor
vagrant, and has deceived me.
is that all sir p
Yes, your honor
The owner Of the monoy then stated
that the merchants testimony was cor
rect. lie had lost seventy dollars in the
manner described-that he saw no one
in the store but this boy and his master
and the lad had disappeared on his i'm
mediate return to the store, upon dis
covering his loss. He was very posi-
tive he had not taken the wallet witt
him but remembered just where he lef
it upon the counter, near where thl'
Johnny was engaged putting up The
goods. He had no shadow Of doubt tina
he had purloined it and got away will
it during his brief absence, for he hat
not been seen about his business fo
three days afterwards by anybody, ant
he noticed that the boy seemed uneasl
and restless during his stay there. HI
could not afford to lose this money, anC
thought such young rogues should b.
made an example Of.
Now, my boy said the Judge, 'hav'
you anything to say? You have hearc
the testimony OF your former employe
and this person who has lost this none.
and the case is very much against you
Do you wish to say anything, or explain
it?
The little fellow was so much alarm
ed at the apparent severity of his honor
through he was just man, and goo
lsdge, and did not intend TO intimidas
the culpnt at all, as knew from lsE
acquaintance with his grave but sterlin
characteristic boy was so confused tina
he said
No, Sir {; can't
1t is a kind Of ease,' said his honor
that is getting lamentably commo
among us, and we must do our duty, i
the endeavor to check the growth G
this evil. Mr.. clerk, l shall comm
this boy to the House Of Correction fC
one year.
And the Judge arose to adjourn til
court.
May it please your honor l said rel
pectfully, will you allow me, befor
this sentence is officially recorded,
address the court brieAy?'
Certainly, Mr.. s. - replied Ia
honor, pleasantly. DO you know any
thing of this case p
No your honor. I have never see
any of these parties until this hour
But the lad does not look like thief
| my vision, and he has no friends to sa
a word for him here.
| have listened to tie testimony, ar
with utmost Difference TO your honor
Judgment in the case, respectful
suooest that the evidence against u