Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-10-25
No. rs

1T does look rather ugTv, If that =
the case said Bowels, 'I'tt let's make
a fight Of it, soncthing may turn mp in
our favor.'
My fears proved correct, however, -
We made gallant struggle, b,rt it was
in vain. My speech, I wus told after
wards, was applaulea privately by the
judges though in his official capacity
he felt compelled 80 decide against me-
I remember that | spoke from a full
beart Of the injustice Of refusing to re-
ceive will which everybody knew to
I've that Of Morgan merely because one
OF the witnesses died.
1T is the law we are called on to ad-
minister here, said the judge from the
bench, not what you or | may think,
Mr.. Attorney, is equity. And you
know as well MS | do, for You are a good
lawyer, that it takes two witnesses to
prove will
But the case was not without its ben.
eft to me professionally. My speech
hmt made an impression on the public
and business now began to pour in.
My fair client still remained at my
friend Bowels, MY eldest daughter
has come to love her as sister, he
said.
Bessie, as you must have seen, is un-
usually intelligent. She had received
quite good education, too, before OIL
Mr.. Morgan died. The chcerful.way in
which she bore her subsequent poverty
is, as Mr.. Renham says, a proof Of al
unusually noble character. Now, We
have invented an excuse thlt we want
a nursery govcrness, for she is toproud
to stay as IL pensioner, and her aunt las
consented to the arrangement, sayin g
that it is a sin to bury Bessie amoug
the hills
Almost every week I dropped in tor
an hour or 50 Of an evening at Bowlcs',
and rs became better acquainted with
Bessie, | more than endorsed my OH
friends encomiums. In short, l wa2
as much charmed with her attractions
Of mind and manner as had been 1t
first by her sylvan grace and beauty.
Very soon | found myself in love, anl
when some six months later told hex
of it, was overjoyed to hear her confess
that my passion was returned.
| was now the lappiest man in the
county. Out of INV defeat had come
the elements Of success. BY it I had
won reputation and love-oh, the
purest, the sweetest, the best. ! p!Ct-
ured to myselfa home, humble ana
poor, but SO bright and cozy, the abode
of content and happiness.
One day in the following summer |
was in the clerks office searching some
old records, when | came upon page
that almost took my breath away. A.
ter reading 1t carefully | closed til {
book and returned to my officer.
The next day Simon Skaggs was
served with summons to answer suit
of electment, in the name Of Elizabet th
Morgan, for all the real property held
bv him, which he claimed az heir at
law Of the late James Morgan, an&
great excitement in the village whon
it was known that this suit was beguU
what could it mean 9 asked ever"
body.
| told no one. Even to Bessie I on
ly represented that l thought | saw
chance to recover, but | was careful not
to appear too sangulne.
In two months the circuit court came
on. Again the court was crowded.
The excitement was even greater than
it had been before. had prepared no
brief, Not even u memorandum OF
book did | carry to court.
Morgan VS.. Stages called the clerk.
Who appears for the plaintiff" saiR
the judge.
1 do, your honor answered.
who for the defendant? ?
we do, you, honor answered 'wo
OF the Oldest and most talented law eFs
from Kent.
Are you ready for the plaintiff :;
We are
Are you ready for the defendant?
we are, your honor.
Let the jury be sSorne, then, SAID
the Judge.
The jury was then impancled. The
twelve men filed in and took their seats
amid brcatAless silence.
Let the case proceed at once, sud
the judse.
Call Mr.. Bowlea.' said I.
The sheriff called him. He camo il
to the court room, took the witness
stand and was sworn.
The most intense silence now reign