The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1878-02-15
Sslsrf Story.
PERFECT LOVE Is SIMPLE
FAITH.

The three magistrates had sat unln-
terruptedly far into the autumn after
noon, and had now retired to consider
their decision. 1t was a distressing
case, and occurring in Singlebridge,
which is mere handful of a town, pro-
voked intense interest among the in
habitants. Everybody knew the parties
concerned. Silas Westbrook, the re-
luctant prosecutor, was. senior partner
in an impressively solid firm which had
fourished in the borough for genera
tons. He enjoyed a reputation for
strict probity and broad benevolenee
which was singularly merited. His son
Augustus (also in the firm,) a witness
for the prosecution, was held in much
esteem by certain of the younger sort in
Singlebridge who sympathized with
his amiable witnesses; and if certain of
the older sort looked askance at these,
why, that was only natural. About
Mr. Blanchard, another witness for the
prosecution, little was known to the in
quiring gossips. He had been resident
with the Westbrooks for about eight
months, during which period he had sat
alongside Gus in the office in business
hours, and had been a good deal about
with him at other times. They got on
amazingly well together, people OBJ
served, but despite all his eforts-and
some of these were marked enough
suave Mr.. Blanchard failed to similarly
captivate Gus pretty sister Fanny. As
became her fathers daughter, she treated
the West Indian connection of her
fathers firm with unfaltering gracious
ness. But her sweetest moods, her tend
crest looks and gentlest tones were not
for him. The magician at whose bidding
they so gladly came was Blanchard's in
stinctive foe. From the moment Harold
White, confidential clerk to the firmand
a potential partner therein, met and
simply shook hands with the West In
dian, they hated each other with a
hatred that owed its sustenance on one
side to contempt, and on the other to
malice and all uncharitableness. To day
will behold the triumph or discontinue
of Blanchard. In the Police Court of
Singlebridge, in the presence Of a crowd
of people, the majority of whom are per
sonally known to him, Harold White
stands accused, on the united testimony
of the Westbrooks, father and son, of
embezzlement.
To the profound chagrin of the mag
istrate's clerk, who, cordially disliking
Blanchard, wishes well to the accused,
the latter conducts his own defense.
@Silence in the court"
OF the four actors in the little drama
old Mr. Westbrook betrays the most agi-
tation as the opening Of door at the
back of the court heralds the return of
the magistrates to their seats on the
bench. The silence is oppressive when,
in voice full ol feeling, the Chairman
turns to the accused and says:
Harold White, /, who have known
you for so many years, need not say
that the long examination which my
brother magistrates and myself have
this day conducted to the very best of
our ability has been to all of us fraught
with considerable pain. And We are
bound to admit, in your behalf, that
nothing has transpired in the course of
this hearing which reflects in the least
on your conduct during the period to
which refer. We have given due con-
sideration to this fact in your favor, and
have come to the conclusion, actuated
by motives which we earnestly hope
you will live to appreciate in proper
spirit, 10 dismiss this case. You may
60"
But my character" exclaimed
White, in voice husky with emotion;
who is to clear that of taint?"