The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-04

itor entered the judges study. III was
Ioshua Skiles. member Of ono Of the
bars in the judicial district over which
Judge Parker presided. His face indi-
Gated an important mission.
Judge" he said, after few remarks
on general subjects, you have q new
man at work at-your place"
eyes, indeed have. / don't wonder
you've noticed it. Many others have
spoken TO me Of the improvement. But
hes no eye server; he's thorough going
TO the smallest detail
Skies grinned expectantly at this en-
thusiasm, as he asked:
"What is his nameY
ale calls himself John"
"No surname, chr
"No-well, the truth is, he declined TO
give it, and he's been so faithful that
have respected his reasons for conceal
ing it, whatever they are"
as it possible you don't remember
him. judges"
"No. / don't; yet several times I've
thought there. was something familiar
about him, either in motions or looks, |
can't tell which"
"Well, I've just got back from a trip
10 Europe, have been most all over the
old country. and the moment | set eyes
ON your new man | knew the fellow, If
he has disguised himself with whiskers.
I'm not often deceived in people, l tell
you
II dare say not, but l am if I've ever
seen him before"
"WeI, then, judge" said Skies, with
manifest pleasure, "you sentenced him
ten wears ago to the penitentiary.
Judge Parker looked closely at Skies
before replying or showing any feeling
at the statement. The man was not a
favorite at the bar. He bore a reputa-
ton for pettiness, his cases usually being
trivial, most of them plainly trumped up
bv himself upon trifing disputes between
parties; and he was given 10 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
Skies designs upon his favor.
"His name, Mr.. Skilesl'
John Dorker," replied Skies, efru-
sivelv. "You 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 pres
ent during the trial, and can truthfully
say it was the plainest case of guilt in
nag legal experience. You sent him up
for five years"
"Are you certain Of this, Mr.. SkilesY
the Judge asked coldly. cts a very
serious matter to brand man as con
yict. He is doing well here. May You
not be mistaken
''No, indeed, never forget a face
at seems that j do, then. What is
your purpose"
"Simply to warn you. sir
what good will it do you If l dis
charge him."
The questions cut close, and Skies
WINGED little as he replied:
"None at all, sir. | didn't expect il
to-except that inward consciousness OF
doing a service. | thought you would
certainly not wish to have man sleep
ing in YOUR house whom you sentenced
Yourself, and who served his term IN
prison"
"Wen, now, Mr. Skies, to be frank
with you, don't believe in always put
ting the foot Of virtuOns scorn on a man 3
neck because he was once criminal
There's no reason why such Il man
shouldn't or couldn't reform, and lead
an honest life. I've sentenced many men
to prison, but never had a good chance
to do one kindness. honestly believe
| that many criminal would rise to rec
titude if helped, and John is one Of
them"
1--WE generally try to get rid Of a
stumbling hore, Judge," said Skies With
weak laugh. "If you doubt my story
call the man in and face him with it,
This was exactly what Judge Parker
did not want to DO, He believed the
story, but did not wish to give Skies the
expected satisfaction of seeing Johns dis
grace laid bare: \ sincere sorrow for
him arose, and he said;
mo, Mr.. Skies, I'll not confront him
with it now"
rhe pettifogger therefore bowed him
self out, somewhat crestfallen, as he con
lidcntly expected to win the judges in
huence in an appointment he aspircd TO-
and tohave seen the criminal ignomini
ously dismissed.
Looking after him Judge Parkermused,
II do wonder why some people love so
much more to lind evil than good in
person. a noble character is to them as
n whitewashed fence against which they
delight to throw mud You see n rent
in a garment, your impulse is to tear it
more. Let man have flaw in his
character and his neighbors will talk it
into a crime, or try to. Suppose John
was imprisoned, he may be now as good
a citizen as any one. III rather any
one else than Skies had disclosed this
matter; he always carries around such an
abundance of dull axes. hate to tell
John of this, but l suppose it must be
done.
John promptly obeyed his summons,
entering respectfully and inquiringly
\ shade OF distrust upon the judges face
made him uneasy, but he calmly and
with manly dignity awaited the com
municatiOn.
"Sit down, john" the judge began
kindly; lit may be long interview"
He complied and began nervously re-
volving his straw hat by shifting his
fingers along the edge of the brini, but
he looked firmly at his employer.
"John-your surname, is it Dorker:"
a slight pallor swept over the honest
face, as he replied;
at is, sir You have remembered me
at last"
"You expected me to-"
81 did, yes. sir"
"No, didn't recognize you, John, "
said the judge, with note of disap.