The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-07-17

tnropy, anu accOrulnSly DeleFeu ne
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 comment
ed to the Judge upon the improved ap-
pearance of the place.
John was an unusually quiet and unob-
trusive man. He seldom volunteered re-
marks save to ask instructions concerning
his work; he never presented himself un-
bidden. Judge Parker's several 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 employment
upon his work.
When the month ended he was re-en-
gagged, and still he maintained the same
scrupulous care in every piece of work,
however trivial. He was not "ncw
broom" He never left the place, unless
sent upon errands, and, retiring early to
his room, spent his evenings in quiet
pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew into
genuine fondness. He liked to talk to
him, and found him we'll posted and
shrewd in the ways of the world, and
ever ready to converse on all subjects ex-
cept his past ife-that was sealed
book.
The summer wore uneventfully away
until one morning, late in August, vis-
itor entered the Judges study. 1t was
Joshua Skiles, member of one of the
bars in the judicial district over which
Judge Parker presided. His face indicat-
ed an important mission.
Judge" he said, after few remarks
on general subjects: "you have a new
man at work on your place."
eyes, indeed I 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-going
to the smallest detail"
Skiles grinned expectantly at this en-
thusiasm, as he asked:
"What is his name2"
ssHe calls himself John"
"No surname, eh!"
"No-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"
ISIS it possible you don't remember
him, Judge9"
"No, I don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in motions or looks, l
can't tell which"
"Wcll, I've just got back from trip
to Europe, been most all over the old
country, and the moment I set eyes on
your new man knew the fellow, if he
has disguised himself with whiskers.
I'm not often deceived in people, I tell
you"
81 dare say not, but I am if I've ever
seen him before"
"Well, then, Judge" said Skiles, with
manifest pleasure, "you sentenced him
ten years ago to the penitentiary."
Judge Parker looked closely at Skiles
before replying Or showing any feeling of
the statement. The man was not a ia
vorite at the bar. He bore reputation
for pettincss, his cases usually being
trivial, most of them plainly trumped up
himself upon trifling disputes between
parties, and he was given to volunteer
ing services rs 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.. Skiles?"
"Jchn Dorker," replied Skiles, effu
sively. "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
dcnce in his favor. Why the jury were
out only about ten minutes. I was
present during the trial, and I can truth
fully say it was the plainest case of guilt
in my legal experience. You sent him up
for five years"
care you certain of this, Mr.. skiles3"
the Judge asked, coldly. "It's very
serious matter to brand man as con-
vict. lie is doing well here. May you
not be mistakcn2"
"No, indeed, I never forget q face"
s'It seems tnat 1 do, then. What is
your purposea"
"Simply to warn you, sir"
"What good will it do you if I dis
charge him2"
These questions cut close, and Skiles
WINGED little as he replied:
"Nonc 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"
"Well, now, Mr.. Shiles, to be frank
with you, 1 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 man
shouldn't or couldn't reform, and lead an
honest life. I've sentenced many men to
prison, but have never had good
chance to do one kindness. honestly
believe that many criminal would rise
to rectitude if helped, and John is one
of them"