The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-12-07

tice. The hunblest citizen, if worthy,
might apply to him for help, certain of
a patient and responsive hearing.
Knowing that his liberality had drawn
him to many unworthy supplicants, he
now suspected that John had some de-
signs upon his plianthropY and ac-
cordingly believed that 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 his suscipion.
And so he worked throughout the
trial month. Faitbfulness 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 usual quiet and unob
trusive man. He seldom volunteered
remarks save to ask instructions con-
cerning his work he never presented
himself unbidden. Judge Parker's sew
eral efforts to elicit some account OF
his life failed he was respectfully can
dill in answering that he did not wish
to tell any thing about himself, saying
that he entirely rested his hope of con-
tlnued employment upon his work.
When the month ended he was re-
engaged, and still he maintained the
same scrupulous care in every piece oi
work, however trivial. He never left the
place, unless sent upon errands, and
retiring early to his room, spent the
evening 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 one morning, late in August a
visitor entered the judges study. 1t
was Joshua Skiles, member of the bar
in the judicial district over which Judge
presided. His face indicated an impor-
tant mission.
'Judge," he said, after few remarks
on general subjects, "you have a new
man at work on your place"
ayes, indeed, l have. 1 don't Won
der 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 name?'
"He calls himself John"
"No surname, chi
"Well, the truth is, he declined to
give it, and he's been SO faithful that l
have respected his reasons for conceal
ing it, whatever they are.'
as it possible you don't remember
him, Judge1"
"No, l don't /; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in his motions or
looks. | can't tell which,
"Well, I've just got back from a trip
to Europe, been most all over the old
country, and the moment set eyes on
your new man l knew that fellow, if he
has disguised himself with whiskers.
I'm not often deceived in people l tell
you"
81 dare say not, but 1 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
at the statement. The man was not a
favorlte at the bar. He bore a reputa-
ton for pettiness, his cases usually be-
ing trivial most of them plainly trumed
up by himself upon trihing disputes be-
tween parties, and he was given to vol
unteering service 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
Skiles' designs upon his favor.
ellis name, MIR. Skiles ?"
John Dorker," replied Skiles eff
fusively. "You sentenced him ten
years ago last March for burglary,
which was proved beyond the slightest
shadow of doubt. There wasn't a
scintilla of evidence in his favor. Why,
the jury were out only about ten MIN
utes. | was present during the trial,
and l can truthfully say it was the plain
est case OF guilt in my legal experience.
You sent him up for five years."
care you certain of this, Mr.. Skiles ?"
the Judge asked, coldly. "It's a very
serious matter to brand a man a con-
vict. He is doing well here. May you
not be Mistaken"
"No, indeed l meyer forget a face" +"
''It seems that | do, then. What is
your purpose2"
"Simply to warn you, sir
"What good will it do you if | dis
charge him2"
These questions cut close, and Skiles
WINGED little as he answered:
"None at all, sir. l don't expect it
to, except that inward consciousness of
doing a service. 1 thought you would
certainly not wish to have man sleep
ing in your house whom you sentenced
yourself, and who served his term in
pr,sonD -