Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1891-06-27


in her hand, whether it were the paper
or the whole world that was upside
down, for on the opposite side of the
paper from that where the orchids were
she read an account by the local reporter
of stay OF proceedings asked for by
Lawyer Playfair on behalf of John
Corkins, recently convicted of burglary,
the prisoner having asserted, in spite Of
the positive evidence adduced at his
trial, that lie was not John Corkins at
all, but that he was Daniel Tanning. NJ.
D., of New York city. 1t appeared that
the stay of proceedings was sought for
as preliminary to a demand for O new
trial. on which the prisoner promised to
introduce new testimony. And she
further read that the court had denied
the stay and had censured the lawyer
for bad practice in making such re-
quest on such frivolous grounds. And
she read moreover that the prisoner, still
asserting that he was not John Corkins,
had actually been sentenced to the state
prison to serve for ten years.
1t was technical sort of report, and
she could not fully understand it. The
reporter seemed to assume that the read
er had seen previous story of the trial,
but she gained general understanding
from the few paragraphs, and as she
read she wondered what it could all
mean. Was it possible that this man
Daniel Tanning, whom she-well, whom
she remembered, was convict?
Over and over again she read the brief
story, and wondered as she read what
it could possibly mean. 1t could not be
true, she thought, but even as she tried
to think SO stories came to her mind of
innocent men who had suffered mis-
taken punishment, and she presently be-
gan to consider what she could do.
And the eminently sensible suggestion
came to her that she could at least find
out about it. Fortunately it was early
in the day, and she was within few
minutes in her carriage driving toward
her lawyers Office.
"Mr. Willwright," she said on enter
ing. II wish to know at once what this
story means and she handed him the
slip.
The old lawyer read the story care
fully, and said without hesitation, II
should say that it means that the judge
was entirely right in censuring that law
yer for very irregular motion"
"Oh! bother the judge and his CEN
sure" exclaimed Miss Latimer impa-
tiently. What ! want, to know is
whether that is Dr. Daniel Tanning who
has just been sentenced to the state
prison, or whether it is a burglar?
happen to know" and here she changed
color ever so little, "that DR.. Tanning
left the city some weeks ago."
WELL" said Mr.. Willwright. some
what quizzically, seven that important
fact is hardly a sufficient ground for as
suming that he has been convicted for
burglary under an assumed name in Hi
nois."
Now please don't joke about it."
said Miss Lstimer. "fs it possible that
such terrible mistake should occur?"
"Ye-es." replied the lawyer with some
reluctance, lit is possible that such a
thing might occur. Courts are human
institutions and they do make mistakes
sometimes. But it is highly improbable
that it has really occurred"
"Then wish you would find out all
about it at once" exclaimed Miss Lati-
mer. ''Can you let me know to-day"
Mr.. Willwright smiled indulgently.
Miss Latimer was good client, for he
had charge of all her property and he
could afford to humour her whims II
imagine" he said pleasantly, ''that
may learn in week or two"
Miss Latiner's eyes flashed. "And
leave an innocent man in prison week
or two! What is the telegraph for:
Won't you ask Mr. Playfair all about il
and let me know
Certainly will" said Mr.. Will
wright, dropping his playfulness when
ne saw how earnest his client was.
Shall use your name in the inquiry
he asked,
"By no means" said Miss Latimer
olushing deeply this time. People
,neered at Miss Latimer for betrayina
her feelings. They said it showed lack
Of good breeding. Other people admired
her all tie more for it.
! A few hours later messenger from
Mr.. Willwright's o.ice brought her Il
long telegram from Piayfair to Will
wright in which the main facts Of
the case were recited. 1t concluded
My cheat has insisted on retaining ad
iitional counsel, and on sending agair
TO New York. but in view of the positive
nature of the Identification the cleares
possible evidence will be necessary tc
upset ii"
This was true enough. Mr. Playfail
had had avery unpleasant interview will
his client after the trial. Tanning wa.
for time almost beside himself will
rage at the mismanagement of his case
but realizing the gravity of the situa
ton had Gained himself, and instead o
antagonizing Playfair had instructed hin
to continue the fight. only insisting thai
another lawyer should also be retained
He could. do no more, placed as he was
and was now in fever Of anxiety
waiting for evidence that should cleal
him on new trial. Playfair's first mo
ton had been made for delay, and ar