Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-09-26

committee room, to deliberate and find
verdict.
1t was nearly six o'clock; the Cour
adjourned for the day. 1t had been
dreadful day to Jacob. He had not i'm
agined that his old and near neighbour
could look upon him as rascal, and hi
had not supposed that any man living
would have dared to assail his good name
as the opposing lawyer had assailed it
The revelation Of these facts, the strange
story told by Gotlieb, and the gloom o.
the strange day seemed to mingle in q
dreadful nightmare as he walked to the
hotel. He went to his room, and lay
down, and closed his eyes, hoping to rest.
The scenes Of the day were as vivid be-
fore him as a picture. And through
them, he would remember from time to
time. with a sudden, sharp throb, the
dreadful suspense he was under.
Suppose the jury should find against
him !" His father had been one Of the
consistery of church when living, and
Jacob himself had long been church
member. The hurt to his reputation
and to the family name was the sharpest
sting.
Jacob got up and went to the far end
of the hall to ask Willie to come. Will
lies room was empty. Jacob came
back and with his wife had family pray
ers in their room. 1t was ten o'clock.
His anxiety was intense. He knew
where the j1ry room was, He knew
that when the jury agreed they would
seal up their verdict and separate, be-
cause the judge had told them to do so,
and to bring in their verdict in the morn
mig. He walked up to the capitol, and
looking at the windows, saw that all
was dark. On his return the large man
was in the Hall, upstairs near his door.
Il think the jury must have agreed"
suggested Jacob, faltering. 81 see it is
all dark in their room."
">ir," said the large man, glaring at
him and speaking with a whitening Sc
verify in his tone and manner that made
Jacob shrink as if he had received the
cut of a whip lash, "the jury has found
against you; | heard Of i. half an hour
ago."
Jacobs eyes fell, and the great misery
settled down upon his heart. He turn
ed silently and walked away to his room.
What was the night that followed to ia
cob Wilson Those who have suddenly
lost good name may perhaps understand
it.
Jacob did not stir out of his room un.
til court time. next morning. Then, as
he descended the hotel stairs, everyone
seemed to be looking at him, and shun-
ming him. He was pale and weak, and
walked slowly, breathing short. He had
a century of family pride behind him;
and he felt he was going to meet his
doom-to pass under cloud that might
never be lifted.
AS he walked up the capitol steps, a
man near inquired Of another. did the
jury agree last night
"les," was the reply.
"How did they find
"Ain't supposed to know" said the
other indifferently.
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 a seat, looking. He had steeled him.
self; he was white and firm.
"Gentlemen," said the clerk, shave
you agreed upon your verdict :"
ave have" replied the foreman, ris.
ing, and handing buff envelope to an
officer. The clerk offered it to the Judge.
"Open it," said the judge, senten-
tiously.
Jacob saw the clerk tear open the en-
velope, unfold the paper it contained, and
give it long, earnest look.
Gentlemen of the jury, "you will
listen to your verdict as the court hath
recorded it.
"You say you fnd," continued the
Clerk, sin favor of plaintiff, in the sum
of eighteen hundred and fifty dollars ;
and so You all say"
The jurymen nodded.
"You will please vacate the box, gen.
tlemen," said the judge. Mr.. Clerk,
you may now draw the jury in ninety
seven"
Jacob stood, his eyes CLASSY for mo-
ment, as if unconscious.
"Well, you are all right" said an Of
fcer who stood near him ; and the officer
offered to shake hands with him. Jacob
put out his hand mechanically, and got
a shake.
A hot flush was seen starting up from
Jacobs neck. His sensitive mobile face
twisted and worked his chin quivered
He turned and walked toward the door
He staggered (; his step was almost that
of an intoxicated person.
whats the matter with that man
that just went out ?" said lawyer, who
came in moment later, to an officer
near the door.
SCOT verdict in that insurance case
in full amount. Didn't expect it,
spose" said the officer, indifferently.
"Kind of upset him, hey!' said the
lawyer laughing.
"Ratherly," said the officer.
Jacob went down the sidewalk TOWARD
the hotel. People did in reality look a
him now, as he passed, trying to hid
his flushed face and the tears. He 60
| - tho -oorc ord told Mayv and fhev haf