The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-10-05
Accidentally Innocent.

No lawyer likes going to court with a
thoroughly bad case, yet how can he help
it, sOmetimcs2
should have more patience with the
question, "Do you ever think it right to
defend man whom you believe to be
guilty2" were it less frequently put by peo
pie who spend six days in the week seeking
to get the upper hand of their neighbors,
and the seventh trying TO circulAvent their
Maker. To the honest inquirer, l COM
mend the answer DR.. johnson once gave
to Boswell: ''Sir, the la awycr is not the
judge"
Was it my place when George Gilbert's
little careworn wife came with tears glis-
tcning III her eyes to bescech me to do
what could for her imprisoned husband,
virtually to turn my back and leave her
tired, troubled heart to break or not as it
might ] was neither priest nor Levitc
to find ready excuse for passing by on
the other side. Yet what could I do!
George Gilbert had been sent on u collect
Ing tour and had gamblcd away money re-
ceived for his employers. 1t was q plain
case of embezzlemcnt aud the penalty was
term of years in the State prison.
II am sure he never meant to be dis
honest, pleaded the loyal little woman;
he Was tempted by crafty and designing
man, but instead of running away, as
others would have done, he came back and
confessed his fault, offering to let his
whole salary 60 toward making up the lost
money till every cent was paid. Mr.. Meek
the junior partner, was willing to be mer-
ciful, but MIR. Manglc, the head of the
house, who had just returned then after a
years absence. insisted that the law should
take its course"
gave her what poor consolation I could
for lawyers, like doctors, must keep their
patients, courage up at times.
I'm the first place, III see Messrs. Man
gle 81 Meek" said. ''NIr. Mangle may
be brought to hear reason, after aiI-if he
can only be made to see his interest In it,"
The pale, respondent face chcered up
little. My words seemed to have inspired
a sort of underlined hope that l was far
from feeling myself.
liteness.
"Young man," his manner said, s.don't
waste time in appeals to sentiment; YOU
won't, if you'll only look at me-"
took the hint and came at once to bust
ness, repeated Gllbcrt's offer and put 1t as
strongly as possible that moro was to be
gained by lenicncy than harshness-all of
which MIR. Mangle listened to with a con-
scientious scowl
II cannot be party to a compounding
felony, he answered with solemn intona-
tion.n
''Nor have l asked you to-" l replied.
not a little nettled. 81 have merely men
toned plan of paying back your own,
leaving 1t to your generosity to pross or
not to press this prosecution
''Oh, it Is oil the samc,' was the con-
temptuous rejoindcr-''anybod but law
yer with his head full of quibs and uuib
lets could soc that. Besides there is some
thing rather cool TO retain your friend in
our employ under pretence of working out
the money he has stolen, with the oppor-
tunity OF 6lching twice as much in the
meantime"
felt my temper rising, and not caring
to imperil my clients interest by al out
right quarrel, took hasty leave.
Had been in the prisoners place on
the morning fixed for the trial | could
hardly have assembled the court house steps
with more reluctance than l did. And
when entered the courtroom and found
Gilbert and his wife already there, and
noted the hopeful look with which the
latter greeted my coming, sickcned at the
thought Of the bitter disappointment
coming.
''rhe people Vs. Gilbert" called out the
Judge, after disposing of some formal mat
ters
A jury was immediately lmpanclled and
the case opened by the district attorney.
MIR. Meek was tho first witness. The
nervous, hcsitating manner in which he
gave his evidence would have greatly dam
aged the effect it it had not evidently
arisen from disposition to do the prisoner
as little hurt as possible. But no soften
ing could break the terrible force of facts
he was compelled to relate.
In the partners absence he had employ
cd George Gilbert as clerk; had found him
competent and trustworthy; had sent him
on a trip to make collections; after recciv.
Ing considerable sum, he was induced by
a respectable looking gentleman to whom
he had casually fallen In to join a social
game of cards; at first they played for
amusement, then for money, and after