The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1878-08-24

stolen, with the opportunity of iilching
twice as much more in the meantime"
felt my temper rising, and not caring
to imperil my clients interests by an out
right pitched quarrel, | took hasty leave
Had been in the prisoner place on the
morning fixed for the trial, could hardly
have assembled the court house steps with
more reluctance than did. And when |
entered the court room and found George
Gilbert and his wife already there, and
noted the hopeful look with which the lat
ter greeted my coming, my very heart sick
ened with the thought OF the bitter dsap-
polntment coming.
- The people RS Gilbert - called ont the
judge, after disposing Of some formal mat
tiers. The jury was Immediately impan
ncled, and the case opened by the District
Attorney.
Mr.. Meek was the first witness The
nervous, hesitating manner in which be
gave his evidence would have greatly dam
aged its effect had it not evidently arisen
from disposition TO do the prisoner rs
little hurt as was possible. But 40 soften
ing could break the terrible force of the
facts that lie was compelled TO relate.
In his partners absence he had employed
Gilbert as 4 clerk; he had found him com.
petent and trustworthy; lie had sent him
on a trip Ia make collections: ON his return
nc had acknowledged that after receiving 4
considerable sum lie was induced by
respectable looking gentleman with whom
he had casually fallen in To join in a social
game of cards; at first they played for
amusement, then for money, and after
losing all his own, in hope of retrieving
his loss, with the fatal infatuatiou which
attends the first infection Of that dreadful
vice, whose end is swift destruction. he
had haZarded aud lost the last dollar of
the money lie had held III trust for his
employers.
Mr.. Meek's voice faltered as he closed
his narrative. He was going on to volun-
tcer something about the prisoners previ-
Gus good character, when a disproving
glance from Mr.. Mangle caused him 10 halt
Just then the prisoner CHANGED to turn
his head, and catching glance of the
senior partner, who had lust entered and
was standing among the crowd. lie started
quickly, then whispered in my ear
8 Turn aside your face" whispered
back, and the case for the prosecution
being closed
. Is there any witness for the defence -
inquired the Judge
We will call iezekiah Mangle," re-
Piled
buzz of surprise greeted this an
nouncement, in the midst Of which Mr..
Maugle stepped quickly forward and was
sworn.
" lon have been absent for the last year,
NJ. Mangle - began.
=. | have"
Travelling in different parts -
- Yes, sir
" The prisoner was employed by Your
partner in your absence, and was arrested
about the time OF your return"
"Such is the case
" Have you ever seen him ~
Z" Not to my knowledge"
"Or met him in your travels
II lie will turn his face this way | can
tel. better
At my bidding Gilbert turned and faced
the witness.
The effect was electrical. Mauglc turned
pale and red by turns.
"One more question, Mr.. Mangle," I re-
sumcd. . DO you recognize in the defend
ant 4 young man from whom you won a
Thousand dollars At poker while on your
travels ." aud named the time and place
at which the prisoner had met with his
misfortune.
The man of iron virtue hestatcd worse
than his more amiablc partner had done
lie was halting between point blank lie
which might entail the penalties of perjury,
and the truth, which would cost him
money.
iowardice performed the Office of con
science, aud the truth came out. The
firms money, which George Gilbert had
lost, had been won 5y the senior partner:
and the court instructed the jury, rs the
sum IN question had actually been delivered !
to one OF the JOINT owners, who was bound
to account TO his associate, the prisoner
could Aot be convicted on any legal term
God bless you. Mr.. Parker" faltered
the happy little wife. Il know you would
bring us out all right
1t was evident her trustful womau's [
nature gave me all The credit of 4 result in
whose achievement my share had been
next to nothing.
The lesson was not lost on Geo. Gilbert .
His first false step was the last: ana the F.
riches; fee ever received Wa the heartfelt /
gratitude of his noble, faithful wife.