Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-02-07
ROCKVILLE MARYLAND.

gave his evidence would have greatly
damaged its effect had it not evidently
arisen from disposition to do the pris-
oner as little hurt as possible. But no
softening could break the terrible force
of facts no was compelled to relate.
In his partners absence he had en-
ployod George Gilbert as clerk; had
found him competent and worthy had
sent him on trip to make collections
on his return he had acknowledged that
after receiving considerable sum he
was induced by a respectable looking
gentleman, with whom he had casually
fallen in, to join 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 infatuation of that dreadful vice is
swift destruction, he had hazarded and
lost the last dollar of money he had in
trust for his employers.
Mr.. Meek's voice faltered as be closed
the narrative. He was going to volun-
teer something about the prisoners good
character, when a disappearing glance
from Mr.. Mangle brought him to halt.
Just then the prisoner CHANGED to
turn his head, and catching glimpse Of
the senior partner, who had just entered
and was standing among the crowd, he
started quickly, and whispered hurriedly
in my ear.
Turn aside your face" l whispered
back. And the case for the prosecu-
ton being closed
"Haye you any witness for the de-
fence" inquired the judge.
Il will call Hczekiah Mangle," re-
piled.
A buzz of surprise greeted the. an
nouncement, in the midst of which Mr..
Mangle stepped forward and was sworn.
"You have been absent for the past
year, Mr.. Mangle :" began.
II have"
Travelling in different parts ?"
eyes, SIR"
'The prisoner was employed by your
partner in your absence, and was ar
rested about the time of your return p
"Such was the case"
Have you ever seen him?"
"Not to my knowledge"
"Or met him in your travels ?"
eff he will turn his head this way
can tell better"
At my bidding Gilbert turned and
faced the witness.
| The effect was electrical. NJ. Man
gle turned red and pale by turns.
Zone other, question, Mr.. Mangle,"
resumed. "Do you recognize in the
prisoner young man from whom you
won thousand dollars at poker while
on your travels?" and named the
time and place at which the prisoner had
met with the misfortune.
The man Of iron nerve hesitated worse
than his moro amiable partner had done
He was halt!ng between point blank
lie, which might entail the penalties oil
perjury, and the truth, which would
have cost him money.
Cowardice performed the office Of con
science, and the truth came out. Thu
firms money, which George Gilbert bat
lost, had been won by the senior part
ncr, and the Court instructed the jury
that as the sum in question had been de
livered to one Of the joint owners, VIII
was bound to account to his partner, TIL
prisoner could not be convicted.
God bless you, Mr.. Parker p fal
tered the happy little wife. II kne,
you would bring us out all right"
1T is evident the truthful woman
nature gave me all the credit Of resul
whose achievement my share had beef
next to nothing.
The lesson was not lost on Georg
Gilbert. His first false stop was hi
last, and the richest fee ever receive,
was the heartfelt gratitude of his noble
faithful wife.