San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-12-07
THE DIAMOND BUTTON
FROM THE DIARY OF A LAWYER AND THE
NOTE BOOK OF A REPORTER.
By BARCLAY NORTH.

Copyrighted, 1889, by o. NJ. Durham Published
by special arrangement through The American
Press Association
swer and determined that he would hold
perfect control of himself.
81 followed you last evening, Mr. Hol-
brook"
II was aware of that" replied Hol-
brook with smile.
81 did not suppose you were,' said the
old gentleman laughingly; 81 must have
done my work badly. Let me say, how
ever, right here that was mistaken in
the person. You resemble the one sup
posed was following so much in build
and manner that not until had resorted
to little ruse to get fair look at your
face was aware of my mistake. hope
you will accept my apologies for any an
noyance l may have given you"
None are needed. | became aware
of your mistake. We are all liable to
them"
The old man unused while and Hol-
brook studied his face. The more he
studied it the less he liked it. There
was blended weakness and strength in it
and the want of those strong, rugged
lines which gave character to old
age. The lines began strongly but
seemed to run into nothing, leaving an
impression of stiffness. The eyes were
cunning, not frank, though there was
unquestionably an assumption of frank
ness in his manner.
At length he spoke.
I'm passing the Casino theatre | saw
you turn corner with a gentleman, and
leaped to the conclusion that you were
person for whom have been looking
these two years-a man from Chicago
to find whom would give half of all l
am worth or expect to be worth"
An angry look leaped into his eyes,
while vindictiveness was plainly APP
parent.
"Do you not know his name?" asked
Holbrook.
81 know what it was two years ago.
Not what it is now. However, it is an
old story of deep wrong and injury, and
is not what came to see you about. l
believe, Mr.. Holbrook, you were part
ner of the late Judge Harkner?"
Holbrook could hardly repress a start.
He wondered if this was also an inquiry
after Persons papers.
Yes" he replied simply; firmly de-
termined that he would show no emo
ton whatever questions might be asked
him.
May l ask when that partnership be-
GAM"
Eyes, it was eight years ago the first
of last January"
"Ah, nearly nine years ago" The old
man pondered short time
WAS Mr.. Charles Pierson a client of
the judges at that timer
Holbrook was prepared for this ques-
ton, yet it was with difficulty he could
repress his surprise.
He replied promptly: mo, the con-
nectiOn ceased through a quarrel before
l came as a student to the judge three
years previous"
Hum" The old man pondered again.
"What lawyer succeeded the Judge
with Mr.. Pierson?"
81 don't know. The judge would say
little about the matter. l know of it
only through tradition in the Office"
Were all the papers of Mr.. Pierson
returned to him."
Every one, religiously, scrupulously
so scrupulously as to remain, as l said,
a tradition in the office. 1t was much
talked of when l came in, because Mr..
Pierson had been valued and profit
able client"
Yes, presume So"
pardon me-" said Holbrook, may /
ask the reason of this inquiry? Twice
before by different persons l have had
these inquiries made:"
=, by two different persons up
the old man sharply. "Ho' ago."
There was great eagerne ,.r ais man.
nsr and tone.
"WithiI month should imagine"
"4Ns:, 'r': say? What were their
~"'->~~%' was demanded almost
woMen?'
.ajd .oibrook coldly,
Ha. ..- Id informa-
..-,.., ed to give