, 1889-09-03

pected that John had some design upon
his philanthropy, and accordingly be-
lieved he needed watching.
But each glance through the window
showed John working industriously,
with an earnest vigor and care that cut
the sharp edges from this suspicion.
And so he worked throughout the
trial month. Faithfulness and pains
taking interest were stamped upon each
detail of his work. and many persons
commented to the judge upon the i'm
proved appearance of the place.
John was an unusually quiet and I'M
obtrusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks. Save to ask instructions con-
corning his work, he never presented
himself unbidden. Judge Parker's sew
eral efforts to elicit some account of his
life failed; he was respectfully candid
in answering that he did not wish to tell
anything about himself, saying that he
entirely rested his hope of continued en-
ployment upon his work.
When the month ended he was re-
engaged, and still he maintained the
same scrupulous care in every piece of
work, however trivial. He was not a
new broom" He never left the place,
unless SEM upon errands, and, retiring
early to his attic room, spent his even
ings in quiet pursuits.
The judges interest in him grew into
genuine fondness. He liked to talk to
him, and found him well posted and
shrewd in the ways of the world, and
ever ready to converse on all subjects
except his past life-that was a sealed
book.
The summer wore uneventfully away,
until m morning, late in August, a Wis
itor entered the judges study. 1t was
Joshua Skies, n member of one of the
bars in the judicial district over which
Judge Parker presided. His face indi-
Gated an important mission.
Judge" he said, after a few remarks
on general subjects, "you nave a new
man at work at your place"
Eyes, indeed l have. 1 don't wonder
you've noticed it. Many others have
spoken to me of the improvement. But
he's nc eye server; he's thorough going
to the smallest detail"
Skiles grinned e%xpectantly at this en-
thusiasm, as he asked:
"What is his namey'
"He calls himself john
"No surname, eh?"
"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"
"Is it possible you don't remember
him, judgc?"
mo, l don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in motions or looks, ]
can't tell which"
DWELL, I've just got back from a trip
to Europe, have been most all over the
old country, and the moment | set eyes
on your new man l knew the fellow, il
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"
"Well, then, judge" said Skies, with
manifest pleasure, ''you sentenced him
ten years ago to the penitentiary."
Judge Parker looked closely at Skiles
before replying or showing any feeling
at the statement. The man was not u
f~avorite at the bar. He bore a reputa.
ton for pettiness, his cases usually being
trivial, most of them plainly trumped up
by himself upon triling 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
Skies designs upon his favor.
His name, Mr.. Skiles?"
John Dorker," replied Skies, effu-
gtra1u sEVl,, ea,tnr,n1 liz, tn, ,-onr,
ago last March for burglary, which was
proved beyond the slightest shadow of
doubt. There wasn't n scintilla of evil
dence in his favor. Why the jury were
out only about ten minutes. l was pres
ent during the trial, and 1 can truthfully
say it was the p~lainest case of guilt in
my legal experience. You sent him up
for five years"
"Are you certain of this, Mr.. Skiles?''
the judge asked coldly. Its a very
serious matter to brand a man as a con
vict. He is doing well here. May you
not be mistaken"
mo, indeed, l never forget a face"
at seems that l do, then. What is
your ~purposeT"
'Simply to warn you, sir"
what good will it do you if l dis,
charge him?'
The questions cut close, and Skiles
WINGED a little as he replied:
None at all, sir. l didn't expect il
to-except that inward consciousness OF
doing a service. l thought you would
certainly not wish to have a man sleep,
ing in your house whom you sentenced
yourself, and who served his term in
prison"
"Well now, Mr.. Skiles, to be frank
with you, | don't believe in always put,
ting the foot of virtuous scorn on a mans
neck because he was once a 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 never had a good chance
to do one n kindness. 1 honestly believe
that many n criminal would rise to rec
titude if helped, and John is one OF
| them"
I'VE generally try to get rid of q
stumbling liore, Judge" said Skiles with
q weak laugh ''If you doubt my story
Ill Al. -. -, ,-l Foo. LIN, r-;tb ;t ~