The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-04-29

JACOB was Inc pTOlOunueSt rascal ana nvpO-
critic in the county, and Jacobs lawyer assert
ing that Gotlieb was a perjurer. In a few
words the court charged the jury, and they
were sent out in the keeping of three officers
to a committeeman, to deliberate and find q
verdict.
1t was nearly six O'Clock; the court adjourned
for the day. 1t had been dreadful day tn
Jacob. He had not imagined that his old and
dear neighbors could look upon him as ras-
cal and he had not supposed any man living
would have dared to assail his good name as
the opposing lawyer had assailed it. The reve-
lation of these facts, the strange story told by
| Gotlieb, aud the gloom of the strange day
seemed to mingle in dreadful nightmare as
he walked to the hotel He went to his
room, and lay down, and closed his eyes, hop
| ing to rest. The scenes of the day were as
vivid before HIM as picture. And through
them, he would remember from time to time
with sudden quick throb, the dreadful sus-
pense he was under. "Suppose the jury
should find against him?" His father had
been one of the consistory of the church
when living, and Jacob himself had long
been a church member TIE hurt to his repu-
tation and to the family name was the sharp
est sting.
Jacob got up, and went to he ''tar endn of
the hall to ask Willie to come. Willie's room
was empty. Jacob came back, and with his
wife had family prayers in their room. 1t
was ten O'Clock. His anxiety was intense
He knew where The jury room was. He knew
that when the jury agreed they would seal up
their verdict and separate because the Judge
had told them to do So and to bring in their
verdict in the morning. He walked up to the
Capitol, and, looking at the windows, saw th9
all was dark. On his return the large Inds-
was in the hail. up stairs, near his door.
II think the jury must have agreed, sug-
gested Jacob, falteringly. 81 see it is all dark
in their room.n
- tl,o rr1o
and speaking with a whitening seyeritg in his
tone and manner that made Jacob shrink as if
he had received a cut of a whip lash, "the jury
has found against you; l heard it halfan hour
ago."
Jacob eyes fell, and the great misery settled
down upon his heart. He turned silently, and
walked away to his room What was the night
that followed to Jacob Wilson! Those who
have suddenly lost good name may perhaps
understand it.
Jacob did not stir out of his room until court
time next morning. Then, as he descended
the hotel stairs, every one seemed to him to be
looking at him and stunning him. He was
very pale and weak, and walked slowly, breath
ing short. He had century of family pride
behind him; and he felt that he was going to
meet his doom-to pass under cloud, that
might never be lifted
As he walked up the Capitol steps, man
near inquired of another: Ibid that jury agree
last night!n
Yes" was the reply
" How did they tind.'
"Ain't supposed to know" said the other,
ndifferenty
Jacob passed on into the court room. The
Judge was just taking his seat.
Mr. Clerk, said the Judge, "you may take
the verdict Of that jury that was out last night.
| see they are all here"
Jacob had not yet sat down. He stood by
seat, looking. He had steeled himself; he was
white and firm.
Gentlemen" said the clerk, "have you
agree upon your verdict!n
1--WE have" replied the foreman, rising and
handing a buff envelope to an officer. The Off
Ger carried it to the clerk The clerk offered
it to the Judge.
"Open it, said the Judge, sententiously.
Jacob saw the clerk tear open the envelope
unfold the paper it contained, and give it
long, earnest look.
Gentlemen of the jury" said the clerk,
you will listen to your verdict as the court
hath recorded it.
Jacob held his breath.
You say you find," continued the clerk,
in favor of the plaintiff, in the sum of eigh-
teen hundred and fifty dollars; and so you all
say"
The iurymen nodded.
" You will please Yacate the box, gentle
men," said the Judge. % Mr.. Clerk, Won may
now draw jury in ninety-seven.''
Jacob stood, his eyes CLASSY for a moment,
as if unconscious.
Well, you are all right" said an officer,
who stood near him. and the officer offered o
shake hands with him. Jacob put out his hand
mechanically, and got shake.
A hot flush was seen starting up from ia
cob's neck. His sensitive, noble face twisted
and worked; his chin quivered; he turned and
walked toward the door. He aggered; his
step was almost that of an int Xicated person.
What's the matter with that man that just
went out" said lawyer who came in mo-
ment later, to an officer near the door.
g Got verdict in that insurance case-full
amount. Didn't expect it, spose," said the
officer, indiiferently.
Kind of upset him, heys" said the lawyer,
laughing.
Rafferty," said the officer
Jacob went down the sidewalk toward the
hotel People did in reality look at him now,
as he passed, trying to hide his flushed face and
the tears. He got to the room and told Mary
and they had what the landlord described as
"a time" The landlord said that he happened
up there, and there was more praying and cry
ing than was allowable in that hotel. As the
painful, nervous strain was taken off, Jacob
became faint and lay down, and Mary went
out and got him lemon.
Soon there came knock at Jacobs door. 1t
was the large man. Jacob sat on the edge of
- really must beg, Mr.. Wilson, the privi-
lege of making an apology" said the large
man, advancing to the middle of tn. room,
resting his hand upon table and speaking
with courtliness and respect that seemed to
lift Jacob up into position of Importance.
He continued: II must have been misin-
formed by the officer about that verdict last
night. OF course We know there has been too
much tampering with iuries, and a habit of
finding out verdicts before they are rendered.
1t is all wrong, certainly though it is often
done. We accept the deception which the Jury
employed to mislead the officer as a very proper
rebuke / don't want you to lay up ANYTHING
against me about it."
80, no." said Jacob.
" It's dreadful, amt it!-burning people|s
buildings in this way" suggested the large
man, confdentially.
Yes; seems to be sort Of crime" ven
tured Jacob, hesitatinglv
- Seems to be a sort of crime ~ echoed the
latge man explosively; " why, man alive. it's
arson, State-prison, long term! And | wiU find
him out. He may fool the people down your
way, with his blind Dutchman, who can see
The pegs in a mans boots mile off in the darl,
but he can't fool me. Thereis villain behind
this, and we are after him. know him nov.
| am sure OF him. am watching and III inc
him within twenty-four hours - and in saving
this, by the way Of emphasis the large maj
brought his fist down upon the liable in a way
that made the whole room jar.
g And that was what you were watching ,,,e
fors" asked Jacob timidly, shuddering as he
saw the gulf
"Why, my dear good fellow" said the largo
man, softening, ''what else on earth did Won
Sappo@ was watching you for!n