The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-12-07
TWICE SENTENCED.

ccohS anu l'oPSio W hi'S 1'SSN>'t
stalwart man about thirty years of age,
poor, but genteel in appearance, and
respectful in manner and speech.
"Take chail," said the Judge, po-
litely, motioning to one near him.
"No, thank you, sir; I prefer to
stand, if you please. The door was
open and l made bold to walk in. l
knocked several times on the door
frame, but you didn't hear me. l came
in just to ask if you need man to do
any sort of work about your placer If
you do not, I'll not take up any more
of your time, as | see you're busy. But
l hope you do, sir !; need work badly"
"You are a stranger in Pixley, are
you not7" asked the Judge, leaning
back in his chair.
"Partly so. l lived here years ago."
"Your name2"
"John."
"Your surname ?"
81 would like you to call me just
John, sir, if you please"
"Don't you know, my man, that with
holding your name is not good rec
ommendction, and very likely to make
an unfavorable impression2"
81 know 1t sir, but if you'll only try
me, think you'll find that my faithful
ness and desire to do everything right
will make up for the rest of my name" :"
Something about the mans bearing
and appearance strongly impressed
Judge Parker, inspiring desire to know
more of him, aud he said
"Well, I'll tell you candidly, that |
like your appearance and manner, but
when a man refuses to give his name
there's always something wrong"
"There is something wrong, sir. I'll
be honest with you, there is something
wrong with the name, but not with me
not now. l could easily CIV you a
false name. Amt the fact that | don't
give one some sign of honesty, and
won't you please look at that as rec
ommendation, sir2"
at is an indication, certainly" re-
sponded the Judge. "Now, it just hap
pens that | do need man about my
country place here; need one badly.
Summer is upon Us, bringing a great
deal of work to be done about the
grounds. | have man for the stable
and horses, so the new hand would
have TO do the rough work, moving the
lawn, raking, wedding, saving wood,
keeping the grounds in good order,
running errands and so. Would you be
willing 10 do that2"
"Certainly, sir" John hopefully re-
sponded. "I'll be only too glad if you'll
try me-"
"But you are an able-bodied young
fellow, who could make at some trade
much more than l could give you for
the work mentioned, and if | mistake
not Your appearance, you have had
higher aims than this sort of work."
"That is all true, sir. | could make
more at other work, and | have had
higher aims, but you see how mlsfor-
tune steps in sometimes on our aims.
But I'd be glad to do such work as you
said for the summer, if you'll only give
me trial."
"What are your terms2"
"That is not important, sir"
"Not Important Why, my man, it
is becoming plain to me that you have
some object other than this work some
plan which such position is to SUBJ
serve. Haven't you1'
Not exactly a plan, but l have a
reason for coming to you that I'd rather
not tell, if you please. It's not wrong
purpose, and | hope you won't refuse
me the work on its account"
"It gives rise to unfavorable susplc-
ions, though. An unusual number of
things are against you. You refuse to
give your name, you seek work plainly
beneath your abilities, wages are unim-
portant, and lastly, the work is not your
chief object. You must certainly be
aware that these would be good grounds
for turning you away"
81 am aware of that, sir, and was
afraid that when l came to you that l
would appear IN had light, but l con-
cluded to be honest about it, anyhow.
Try me, though, sir you'll not regret
it. l want the place surely more than
l can tell. I'm in distress. l have
nothing else to say. My appearance is
my only recommendation If that
won't do, l must CO."
He looked pleadingly at the Judge,
who, rising, came from behind his desk,
and standing close to the applicant said:
"Well, John, let me tell you that
your candor and evident truthfulness
have impressed me strongly in your
favor, despite the appearance against
you. I'll try you for month, bu: you
must not complain if you are denied
certain privileges that would be accord
ed to man who has proven himself
trustworthy, or if your actions are more
closely watched"
"I've seen those consequences, sir,
and its all right. They are to be ex-
pected under the circumstance, and |
won't complain. Do as you please with
me till you feel l can be trusted. Show
me the work at once. sir, if you can. l
couldn't find words to thank you, sir,
even If you had time to hear them. My
WORK must show you how grateful l
am."
Donnlng a broad-brimmed straw hat.