The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1889-09-20

gagged, and still he maintained the sam
scrupulous care in every piece of work
however trivial. He was not ''nev
broom" He never left the place, unles
sent upon errands, and, retiring early Il
his room, spent his evenings in quie
pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew int,
genuine fondness. He liked to talk t,
him, and found him well posted anC
shrewd in the ways Of the world, anC
ever ready to converse on all subjects ex
cept his past life-that was a sealed
book.
The summer wore uneventfully awal
until one morning, late in August, Wis
itor entered the Judges study. 1t wa
Joshua Skiles, a member of one of tht
bars in the Judicial district over which
Judge Parker presided His face indicat
ed an important mission.
Judge" he said, after a few remarks
on general subjects: ''you have new
man at work on your place"
eyes, indeed have don't wonder
you've noticed it. Many others have
spoken to me of the improvement. But
he's no eye-server; he's thorough-goine
to the smallest detail"
Sl1iles grinned expectantly at this en-
thusiasm, as he asked:
"What is his name2"-
''He calls himself John.
No surname, ehln
sNo-well, the truth is, he declined
to give it, and he's been so faithful that
I have respected his reasons for conceal
ing it, whatever they are
SIS it possible you don't remember
him, Judgel"
mo, 1 don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in motions or looks, ]
can't tell which.
''Wen, I've just got back from a trip
to Europe, been most all over the old
country, and the moment I set eyes on
your new man l knew the fellow, if he
has disguised himself with whiskers.
I'm not often deceived in people, 1 tell
you"
81 dare say not, but am if I've ever
seen him before.
'Wen, then, Judge, said Skiles, with
manifest pleasure, "you sentenced him
ten years ago to the penitentiary."
Judge Parker looked closely at Skies
before replying or showing any feeling OF
the statement. The man was not ia
vorite at the bar. lie bore reputation
for pettiness, his cases usually being
trivial, most of them plainly trumped up
himself upon trifing disputes between
parties, and he was given to volunteer
ing services as bids for favor.
So the Judge looked at him, secretly
displeased at the disclosure. He didn't
want to hear evil of John; he liked him,
and was disposed to believe this one of
Skiles's designs upon his favor.
ellis name, Mr. Skilesln
''Jchn Dorker," replied Skiles, effu-
sively. 'sYou sentenced him ten years
ago last March for burglary, which was
proved beyond the slightest shadow of
doubt. There wasn't scintilla of evil
dence in his favor. Why the jury were
out only about ten minutes. was
present during the trial, and / can truth
fully say it was the plainest case of guilt
in 10Y legal experience. You sent him up
for five years
"Are you certain of this, Mr. Skiles?''
the Judge asked, coldly. ''It's a very
serious matter to brand Il man as a con-
Wet. He is doing well here. May you
not be mistakenl"
mo, indeed, I never forget q face"
at seems that do, then. What is
your purposel"
stsim5iy '.. = I'D you, sir"
.GEhat good why Dc You i 7 dis
These questions cut close, and Skies
WINGED a little as he replied:
''None at all, sir. Ididn't expect it to
except that inward consciousness of
doing a service thought you would
certainly not wish to have man sleeping
in your house whom you sentenced your
self. and who served his term in prison. p"
''Well, now, Mr.. Skiles, to be frank
with you, don't believe in always put
ting the foot Of virtuous scorn on mans
neck because he was once q criminal.
There's no reason why such a man
shouldn't or couldn't reform, and lead an
honest life. I've sentenced many men to
prison, but have never had a good
chance to do one a kindness. I honestly
believe that many a criminal would rise
to rectitude if helped, and John is one
Of them"
eve generally try to get rid of a
stumbling horse, Judge, said Skies, with
a weak laugh. ''If you doubt my story
call the man in and face him with it. ="
This was exactly what Judge Parker
did not wish to do. He believed the
story, but did not want to give Skies
the expected satisfaction Of seeing Johns
disgrace laid bare. A sincere sorrow for
him arose, and he said:
s'No, Mr.. Skies, Tllnot confront him
with it now"
The pettifogger thereupon bowed him
self out, somewhat crestfallen, as he had
confidently expected to win the Judges
influence in an appointment he aspired
to, and to have seen the criminal ignom-
iniously dismissed.
Looking after him Judge Parker unused
a do wonder why some people love 50
much more to find evil than good in a
person. a noble character is to them as
whitewashed fence against which they
delight to throw mud. hate to tell
John of this, but suppose it must be
done"
John promptly obeyed the summons,
entering respectfully and inquiringly. A
shade Of distrust upon the Judges face
made him uneasy, but he calmly and with
manly dignity awaited the communica-
tioR.
"sit down, John, 4" the Judge began
kindly; ''it may be long interview"
He complied, and began nervously re-
voiving his straw hat by shifting his I'm
gers along the edge OF the brim, but he
looked firmly at his employer.
'.John-your surname, is it Dorkerlh
A slight pallor swept over the honest
face, as he replied:
at is, sir. You have remembered me
at last"
"You expected me tor
81 did, yes, sir. ="
'No, didn't recognize you, John, I"
said the Judge, with a note of disappoint-
ment in his voice, "but a lawyer at the
bar told me who you were"