Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-08-22
TWICE SENTENCED.

your pace, SIT
Judge Parker looked up from his
law books and papers to the question
er, a stalwart man about thirty years
of age, poor but gentle in appearance,
and respectful in manner and speech.
Take a chair" said the Judge,
politely, motioning to one near him.
mo, thank you, sir; | prefer to
stand if you please. The door was
open and made bold TO walb in.
knocked several times on the door
frame, but you didn't hear Inc. |
came just to ask if you need a man to
do any sort of work about your place ?
If you do not, I'll not take up any
more Of your time, as | see you're
busy. But | hope you do, sir; |
need work badly
You are a stranger in Pixley, are
you not?' asked the Judge, leaning
back in his chair
Partly so. lived here years ago. .
Your name?'
John
Your surname p
Il would like you to call me just
John, sir, if you please"
Don't you know, my man, that
withholding your name is not good
recommendation and very likely to
make an unfavorable impression p
Il know it sir, but if you'll only try
Inc, l think you'll find that my faith
fulness and desire to do everything
right will make up for the rest of my
name.
Something about the mans bear
ing and appearance strongly i'm
pressed Judge Parker, inspiring a
desire to know more of him, and he
said:
"Well, I'll tell you candidly that
| like your appearance and manner,
but when a man refuses to give his
name there's always something
wrong"
There is something wrong, sir. I'll
be honest with you, there is something
wrong with the name, but not with
me-not now. / could easily give you
false name. Amt the fact that |
don't give one some sign of honesty,
and won't you please look at that as
a recommendation, sir p
1T is an indication, certainly" re-
sponded the Judge. Now, it just
happens that do need man about
my country place here need one
badly. Summer is upon us, bringing
a great deal of work to be done about
the grounds. | have man for the
stable and horses, so the new hand
would have to do the rough work,
moving the lawn, raking, wedding,
saving wood, keeping the grounds in
good order, running errands and so
on. Would you be willing to do that =
Certainly, sir" John hopefully re-
sponded. "I'll be only too glad if
you'll try me-
But you are an able bodied young
fellow, who could make at some trade
much more than | could give you for
the work mentioned, and if mistake
not your appearance, you have had
higher aims than this sort Of work"
THAT is all true sir ] could make
more at other work, and have had
higher aims, but you've seen how
misfortune steps in sometimes on our
aims But I'd be glad to do such
work as you said for the summer, if
you'll only give me trial
What are your terms p
THAT is not important, sir.
Not important? Why, my man,
it is becoming plain to me that you
have some object other than this
work some plan which such a posi-
tion is to subserve. Haven't you?"
Not exactly plan, but l have a
reason for coming to you that I'd
rather not tell, if you please. It's
not a wrong purpose, and | hope you
won't refuse me the work on its ac-
count
1T gives rise to unfavorable sus-
picions, though. An unusual number
of things are against you. You refuse
to give your name, you seek work
plainly beneath your abilities, wages
are unimportant, and lastly the work
is not your chief object. You must
certainly be aware that these would
be good grounds for turning you of. .
Il am aware OF that, sir, and was
afraid that when l came TO you /
would appear in bad light, bur l
concluded TO be honest about it, any
how. Try me, though, sir; you'll not
regret it. want the place, surely (;
more than | can tell. I'm in distress.
/ have nothing else to say. My ap
pearance is my only recommendation.
If that won't do, must go"
He looked pleadingly at the Judge,
who, rising, came from behind his
desk. and standing close to the appli-
cant said:
well, John, let me tell you that
your candor and evident truthfulness
have impressed Inc strongly in your
favor, despite the appearance against
you. I'll try you for a month, but
YOU must not complain il you are de-
MED certain privileges that would be
accorded TO man who has proven
himself trustworthy. or if your actions
are more closely watched"
I've seen those consequences, sir,
and it's all right. They are TO be ex-
pected under the circumstances, and