The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-03-24
HIS LAST COURT.

Old Judge Grepson, n justice of the
peace, was never known to smile. He
came to Arkansas years ago, before the
'carpet-baggers" began their reckless
sway, aud year after year, by the will of
the voters, he held his place as mngis.
trate. The lawyers who practiced in his
ceurt never joked with him. because ev-
cry one soon learned that the old man
never engaged in levity. Every morning,
no matter how bad the weather might be.
the old man took his place behird the
bar which, with his own hands, he had
mnde. and every evening, just at a GER
tain time he closed his books and went
home. No one ever engaged him in pri.
vate conversation, because be would talk
to no one. No one ever went to his
home, q little cottage amcng the trees in
the citys outskirts, because he had new
er shown a disposition TO make welcome
the visits of those who even lived in tue
immediated vicinity. His Office was not
tioneering," because he never asked any
man for his vote. He was first electt d
because, having once been summoned in
a case of arbitration, he exhibited the
executive side of such legal mind that
the people nominated and elected him.
He soon gained the name of the 'hard
Justice, and lawyers in Arkansas referred
! to his decisions. His rulings were never
reversed by the higher courts. He
showed no sentiment in decision. He
stood upon the platform of n law which
he made study, and no man disputed
him.
Several days ago woman charged
with misdemeanor was arraigned before
him. The old man seems more than
ever unsteady" remarked lawyer as
the magistrate took his seat. II don't
see how man so old can stand the vex-
ations of court much longer"
Il AM not well to-day, said the Judge,
turning to the lawyers, 'Hnd any cases
that you may have you will plesse des-
patch them to tue best. and let me add,
quickest OF your ability"
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, Al d no one thought OF
scheme to prolong a discussion, for ali
the lawyers had learned to reverence
him.
"Is this the woman?" asked the Judge
"Who is defending heI?"
II have no defense, your Honor" th'
woman replied. "In fact, 10 not thinl
that need any, for am here to confess
my guilt No man can defend me- ant
she looked at the magistrate with a curl
Gus gaze. II have been arrested on I
charge of disturbing the peace, and an
willing to submit my case. ! am dyinl
of consumption, Judge, and know tha
any ruling made by the law can have hu
little effect on me;' and she coughed
l hollow, hacking cough. and drew aroun'
her AN old black shawl that she wore
I The expression on the face OF the mHgia
r trate remained unchanged, but his eye
; lids dropped and he did not raise theu
/ when the woman continued; "As | sHy
h. no man can defend Inc. am too nea
that awful approach, to pass which W
know is everlasting death to soul an'
Y body. Years ago was a child OF bright
!, est promise. lived with my parents u
d kentucky. wayward and light-heorte &
J., I was admired 10y all the gay socid
known iu tue n-ighborhood. A ma
came aud protested his love for me.
K don't say this, Judge, to excite you
sympathy. l have many and many
"A time been drawn before courts, bgt
Ie never before spoke OF my past life"
a She oonghed agaiu aud caught 40
d. of blood on q handkerchief which 81
pressed to her lips Il speak of it no
because know that this is the last oou
on earth before which will be arrdgne
Q. was fifteen years old when fell in lo'
nr with the man. Ny father said he vi
be bad, but loved him. Ha came aga
he and again. aud when my father said th
- he sSouli come no more ran a way al
Nv married him. Ny father said l Shou