Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-12-25

looming Droad-Drlmmeu straw nat,
Judge Parker conducted the new man
out over his spacious estate. indicating
what work would be expected of him.
and set him TO do some wedding at a
spot in sight OF his study windows.
He then returned to his papers and
books, but as the afternoon wore on,
he cast frequent chances through the
window at John. 1t was plain that he
had become deeply interested in the
man whose history had been so can
didly and honestly withheld. He could
not fathom the mystery with which
the applicant chose TO envelop him
self, but he trusted that his purposes
were honorable, though he was some
what suspicious.
Judge Parker was q large-hearted
man, widely known and beloved for
geniality, benevolence and uniform
justice. The humblest citizen, If
worthy, might apply to him for help,
certain of patient and responsive
hearing. Knowing that his liberality
had drawn him to many unworthy sup
plicants, he now suspected that John
had some design upon his philanthropy,
and accordingly believed that he need
ed watching.s
But each glance through the window
showed John working industriously,
with an earnest vigor and care that
cut the sharp edges from his suspicion.
And so he worked throughout the
trial month. Faithfulness and pains
taking interest were stamped upon
each detail Of his work, and many per-
sons commented TO the Judge upon tho
improved appearance OF the place.
John was an unusual quiet and UNI
obtrusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks save TO ask instructions con-
corning his work; he never presented
himself unbidden. 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 any thing about himself,
saying that he entirely rested his hope
of continued employment upon his
work.
When the mouth ended he was re-
engaged, and still he maintained the
same scrupulous care in every piece OF
work, however trivial. He never left
the place, unless sent upon errands,
and, retiring early TO his room, spent
his evening in quiet pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew in
to 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 sealed
book.
The summer wore uneventfully
away, until one morning, late in Au-
gust visitor entered the Judges
study. 1t was Joshua Skiles, men,
Der of the bar in the judicial district
over which Judge Parker presided.
His face indicated an important mis-
sion.
"Judge,h he said, after few re,
marks on general subjects, "you have
new man at work on your place. "
Eyes, indeed, / have. l don't won
der you've noticed it. Many others
have spoken to me of the improve
ment. But he's no eye-servor; he's
thorough-going to the smallest dc.
tail"
J Skiles grinned expectantly at this
enthusiasm, as he asked:
What is his namep"
"He calls himself John"
mo surname, ehp"
mo; well, the truth is, he declined
to give it, and he's been so faithful
that l have respected his reasons fol
concealing it, whatever they are"
as it possible you don't remember
him, Judgep"
mo, 1 don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in his motions OF
looks, / can't tell which"
"Well, I've just got back from trip
TO Europe, been most all over the old
country, and tho moment set eyes or
your new man knew the fellow, if he
has disguised himself with whiskors.
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 Skiles,
with manifest pleasure, "you sentenced
him ton years ago to the penitentiary.'
Judge Parker looked closely at
Skies before replying or showing any
feeling at the statement The man
was not favorite at the bar. He
bore reputation for pettiness, his
cases usually being trivial, most Of
them plainly trumped up by himself
upon trihing disputes between parties,
and he was given to volunteering serv-
ices as bids for favor.
So the Judge looked at him, secret.
ly 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.. Skilesp"
John Dorker," replied Skiles, ef-
fusively. "You sentenced him ten
years ago last March for burglary,
which was proved beyond the slightest
shadow of doubt. There wasn't @
scintilla of evidence in his favor
Why, the jury were out only about ter
minutes. | was present during the
trial, and l can truthfully say it wa:
the plainest case Of guilt in my legal
experience. You sent him up for five
years"
care you certain OF this, Mr..
Skilesp" the Judge asked, coldly. 'It's
u very serious matter to brand q man &
convict. He is doing well here. May
you not be mistaken"
mo, indeed; never forget face. y
at seems that do, then. What il
your purposep"
"Simply to warn you, SIR"
"What good will il do you IL dis