The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-03-06
CHAPTER XIV.


Adolphus Carp, Esq, was a grand
specimen of the genus Anglo-Saxon,
whose opportunities for getting on in
the world had been so many and for
tunate that he had long since learned
TO look with small degree Of allowance
upon any and every person around
whose paths Of life the tangled briers Of
difficulty had formed a hedge which
in either climbing or clearing they
found 10 necessary TO invoke the intri-
cate and uncertain assistance Of the
law. Il mattered not to Adolphus Carp
that be owed his own prosperity TO the
very adversilies Of others which he
held iu such supreme contempt IL was
enough for him that they needed bis
service that 10 him there was money
IN the venture whether il succeeded OF
not, and ,hat il made no difference %
anybody whether he returned value re-
ceived for the fee exacted, il only his
service were accompanied by volumin-
Gus briefs "a paradox which the legal
fraternity eau readily comprehend) es-
pecially if said briefs were backed by
suudry long-drawn efforts al argument
alive oratory. Adolphus Carp was an
orator and per consequence he never
lacked clients.
The knowledge that he was TO be re-
taiued on this occasion by beautiful
and accomplished young woman with a
thousand acres Of land in fee simrle,
land lying hard by a railroad station,
and certain 10 become, at no distant
day, the site Of a considerable inland
town, was knowledge of an altogether
agreeable character. Not only would
he have unlocked for opportunity to
secure a good business, but the chance
would not be wanting 20 make an effect
i've speech before the District Court, a
speech which would certainly enhance
his already hattering prospects for a
coveted seat in the United States Sem
ate. Adolphus Carp might have been
elected as Representative long ago, but
his ambition was of too lofty nature Ia
allow him to accept position in the
lower House. He preferred instead
what the printers call "fat takes" in bis
regular profession.
"AIy dear madam" smiliuglv ex-
claimed the urbaue disciple Of Black
stone, while Grace sat fluttering before
him SIS "a bird might when under the
destinations Of a professional tamerofit,
species, "hy what authority did you re.
ceive the title 20 your lands ?"
"AIy fatl er's and mothers authority
and signature, sir"
The barrister rubbed his hands
$50 far, good. Aud to whom beside,
yourself or rather with yourself, did
you say these lands were conformity con
veyed ?'
81 did not name anybody, sil."
"But you should understand that il
am 10 try the case and assist you out o
your difficulty, I must first know al
about the facts. Your counsel might
make a b'uuder that would be fatal q
your interests through neglect upon
your part Go acquaiut him with the
minor details. Would you prefer q
counsel with me alone ?7
"No, sir. This lady is MY confden
tial friend"
That's the way women are alway
making fools Of themselves" ." said Adol
phus Carp, s02o roce. "Td prefer talk
ing the matter over with her withou
the interference Of outside advisers
but il will never do 10 tell her so, aud
must accept the situation as find it,.
Then aloud, "Have you a husband
ma'am ."
81 suppose the law will say hav,
sir"
"Ah! that eomplicates matters. No
see, there is a wide difference between
woman as femme sole aud the sam
woman as a wife, OF in a state Of corer
Jue. Il will be necessary for me to Sc
your husband"
"Your business is not with him, bt
with me, sir"
"Pardon me, madam. You ladies al
proyerbially ignorant concerning every
thing pertaining to the law. Men, yo
see, make the laws, aud look after you
interests for you, and in so doiug the
protect you better than you could pr,
tect yourselves"
The urbane Adolphus Carp leane
back in his chair placed his Fat, whil
thumbs in the arm-holes OF his yer
plethoric vest, and smiled benignantl
upon the victim Of protection who flo
tered on in embarrassed silence. "No'
don't be afraid, my dear madam. Ts
me everything. There are three classes
professional gentlemen from whom q
married lady has no secrets.'
"Indeed ?" responded Grace, as b.
eyes involuntarily sought the eager gal
Of her mother-in-law.
"Indeed 90 echoed the urbane lay
yer.
"And who are they, pray?'
"They are the lawyer, the physicia
and the minister"
"Then, sir, 1 beg to be excused.