The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1880-02-25

press VI not W press Cue ptoSeCu-
ton" q
20, it's all the same" was the con-
temptuous Enthusiastically hut
a lawyer, with his head full of qnips
and quihbles, could see that. Be
sides, there's something rather cool
in the proposal to retain yonr friend
in our employ, under pre,ence of
working out the money lie had sto
len, with the opportunity of filching
twice as much money in the mean
time"
I felt my temper rising. and not
caring to imperil my clients inter.
ests by an outright quarrel, took a
hasty leave.
Had l been in the prisoners place
on the morning fixed for the trial, l
could not have assembled the court.
house steps with more reluctance
than I did. Aud when entered the
courthouse and found Gilbert and
his wife already there, and noted the
hopeful look with which the latter
greeted my coming, my heart sick
ened at the thought of the bitter
disappointment awaiting them.
"The People versus Gilbert" call
ed out the Judge, after disposing Of
some formal matters.
A jury was immediately impanel-
ed, and the case opened by the dis
trict attorney.
Mr.. Meek was the first witness.
The nervous, hesitating manner in
which he gave his evidence would
have greatly damaged its effect had
it not evidently arisen from a dispo
sition to do the prisoner as little
hurt as possible. But no softening
could break the horrible force of the
facts be was compelled to relate.
In his partners absence, he had
employed George Gilbert as clerk,
had found him competent and trust
worthy, had sent him on a trip to
make collections; on his return he
had acknowledged that, after receiv-
ing considerable sum, he was in
duced by a respectable. looking gen
teman, with whom he had casually
fallen in, to join in social game OF
cards.
At first they played for amuse-
ment, then for money, and, after
losing all his, in the hope Of retreiv-
ing his loss, with the fatal infatua
ton which attends tile first infection
CT that dreadful vice whose end is
swift destruction, he had lazarded
and lost the last dollar of the money
he held in trust for his employers.
Mr.. Meek's voice faltered as he
closed his narrative. He was going
to volunteer something about the
prisoners previous good character,
when a disappearing glance from
Mr.. Mangle brought him to halt.
Just then the prisoner Glanced to
turn his head, and catching sight Of
the senior partner, who had just en-.
tered and was standing among the
crowd, he started quickly, then he
whispered hurriedly in my ear.
"Turn aside your face" l whis,
pered oack.
| And the case for the prosecution
being closed: +"
"Have you any witnesses for the
|defeDse2" inquired the judge.
II will call Hezekiah Mangle,"
replied.
| 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.
| 81 have
"Traveling in different parts?"
Eyes, sir"
"The prisoner was employed by
your partner 10 your absence, and
was arrested about the time of your
return?' .-,
"Such was the case." III. .
slave you ever seen him2"
"Not to my knowledge"
"Or met him in your trayels?'
Z. "If he will turn his head this way
| | can tell better.'' 49,
At my bidding Gilbert turned ant
faced the witness. The effect wa.
electrical. Mr.. Mangle tarued pale
!. Zone other question, Mr.. Mangle
Do you recognize in the defendent
young man from whom you won /,