The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1898-05-27
miscellaneous
THE PLEA.
BY ANNE HENsZEY BRADFORD.

BY AN y II ht NNLb1 DlhADTOhbs
Number twenty eight was a man of
light complexion, with large blue eyes,
a Greek nose, and a sensitive mouth.
One we'll use to reading character by
the face would surely be deceived in
this instance. l could not feel as if l
were talking to criminal when l cb-
tanned an interview with him.
He greeted me politely, giving Inc
the one chair in the cell, then walked
to the window and stood leaning
against the bars, apparently in deep
thought.
did not disturb him, feeling that
he would soon talk, perhaps more than
he had yet talked with any of his in
reviewers.
At length he lifted his head and,
drawing himself to his full height,
looked me squarely in the face.
You know am guilty?' he ked.
Everything seems to point to that
way" l answered.
1T is true, l am guilty; nor am /
sorry committed the crime" Then
with flashing eyes he continued in
passionate tones. "Why have you
come here? To get my story? To ask
me why l did it? l will tell you as |
have told all the others, that | will
answer the demand of my countrymen.
| will tell to the world why outraged
one of the laws of civilized nations"
He stopped and l listened eagerly
What would he say next? when l
stand before the Judge at my trial and
not before"
Disappointed, yet respecting the
man, for his attitude impressed me,
| arose. In an instant he was at my
side; he essayed to take my hand, but
drew back quickly with an apology.
81 beg your pardon, sir" His voice
sounded as usual now, except for
slight hesitancy. Il forgot my hands
were no longer clean. But | want TO
thank you for being so courteous to
me. You have not piled me with
questions enough to drive man wild.
/ do not forget l, too, have had a
gentleman's training. I'll tell you
what have told no one else. Its for
nv poor mothers sake close my lips.
Her heart is breaking and she's all
have" He stopped, and choking
back the sobs, continued, II will have
no lawyer to plead my cause tomorrow
l shall make my own plea, and then
then | shall expect to suffer the pun
ishment of my crime.
grasped his hand warmly.
II know not why you committed
this deed, but do not believe it was
because of any base reason"
A work of indescribable pleasure
came over his face; with tears in his
eyes he said in broken tones.
THANK you-oh, thank you'll Then
he added pleadingly. You will come
tomorrow, won't you? 1t will help
D. fhaf hnG fa If In in
me-"
Promising what he asked, l went
home with mind intent on the occu-
pant of cell Number Twenty Eight.
Such a fine specimen of manhood;
such noble bearing! How did he
ever do such thing!
The courtroom was already crowd
| ed when | arrived. Everyone was
anxious to see and hear Henry Cur
ham, who murdered his stepfather,
went to the authorities, gave himself,
up and now to-day would have no de-
tense but would plead his own cause.
A murmur of mingled surprise and
admiration ran through the crowded
room as the prisoner took his stand in
| the dock. Calm, quiet, yet firm and
strong he stood there, noble in his
manhood and bearing. How could
| he have had it1" asked one of another.
The preliminary proceedings of the
| court held no interest for the people
They grew impatient for the prison
| er's plea.
Henry Durham had pleaded guilty
| and now he faced the court to make
his plea. Quietly his eyes swept the
room and finally rested on a yelled
figure near him. His lips quivered
and his eyes filled as his mother lifted
her veil and met his gaze.
The veil dropped. Henry Durham
bowed his head an instant, then,
Strengthening himself, addressed the
Judge in low. distinct voice.
II am guilty of the murder of John
Lawrence. Five years ago my mother
was married to this man. l was then
eighteen years of age. He was brute
as we soon learned. | had a sister
who was younger than by four years.
In one of his drunken fits he struck
her to the earth. For weeks she was
very i'll, but she lived. Better had
she died, for she will never again have
the use of her reason. She is mad
think of it, mad for life!'
| An indignant murmur rose from the
people. The Judge raised his hand.
The prisoner continued in passionate
tones
II hated him from the moment he
struck my sister, and l swore l would
make him suffer for it. l could beal
the kicks and knocks which he gave
me at every opportunity, but l would
never forgive the abuse heaped upoL
my dear ones.
IA year ago persuaded my mother
to leave him, and made a home fol
her. One night l was kept cut late
When returned home l found he
lying on the floor unconscious. The
villain was ransacking the house.
Il thought my mother was dead
l did not wait to see-my brain wat
on fire. / sprang on the man. W.
struggled, but l had the advantage
held him, my fingers upon his throat
l told him | was going to kill him.
! reviewed his crimes-then | strangle(
him."
The passionate tones died away int
1 silence There was q long pause be