The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-04-01

"But you seem strangely young"
what has age to do WITH it?''
Nothing, of course. You must ex-
cuse me, Mr.. Barnes, but this is quits
q surprise.
I'm afraid can't excuse you, Abel
Garner. An exhibition of surprise on
the part of lawyer with forty years
practice behind him is most unseen
ly."
Il admit it, Mr.. Barnes. But SO few
things happen in Joyville. He paused
and looked earnestly at the younger
man. And now may |, as your legal
adviser, of course, ask why you have
done this generous thing for our little
town"
You will known in good time" the
visitor replied. There is a story to
be told first" He paused and drew a
long breath. Let your memory go
back twenty years, Abel Garner. Do
| you remember boy here in Joyville
who was called Jack Allen? Think
hard"
The old mans face grew troubled.
81 recall him. he said.
Tell me about him"
"He was an unhappy lad, as I re-
member him, the stepson of worthless
fellow who made him vagabond His
mother was dead; his home was
howell"
What more do you remember"
"My attention was called to him at
time when the village was greatly
excited over the frequency of incen-
diary fires The boy was pointed out to
me as q suspicious and dangerous char
acter.
mo doubt he looked it,"
"He was ragged and dirty. and
fancied he looked hungry, too"
go on
The old mans gaze grew still more
troubled.
''He was arrested not long after that
and charged with setting fire to the
barn of villager. The proof against
him was strong. The feeling against
him was intense. Even his drunken
stepfather testified against him"
And your"
Il well, / was younger then and
more sympathetic, perhaps. The boy
was down and every mans hand SEEM
ed raised against him. / offered my
self in his defense"
go on"
Il called on the boy and questioned
him. At first he was sullen and would
not answer. No doubt he took me for
a new enemy had hard work to win
his confidence. Finally he told me his
story. 1t was pItiful."
Then you asked him if he was gull
ty Of this particular crime?"
Eyes"
"And your eyes were fixed on his
as you waited for his answer"
Eyes"
And he met your gaze with steady
look as he told you he was innocent?'
Eyes"
"You laid your hand upon his Shout
der. What did you say to him, Abel
Garner?"
Il said, believe you, John AL
lem
Auu WHdI QlQ INC 10Y 10!
"He burst into tears"
"Why should he do that?"
II think it must have been because
so few persons had ever spoken kindly
to him"
mo doubt And then, Abel Garner?"
II went into court with him and did
my best to clear him. was younger
then and more enthusiastic. 1t was
the boy and l against the village. |
muddled the witnesses, l proved the
The visitor slowly nodded.
drunken father q liar, and I did |
what could to arouse sympathy for
my client. l thank God that l won the
court over. A long term in prison
would have crushed the lad body
and soul. He was freed-but on one
condition. He was to leave Joyville at
once and never return. l did what |
could. found clothes for him and
few dollars and saw him on the train
bound for the great city. / remember
that he cried again as babe him good
by. Poor lad"
abel Garner" he said, will you
say again, John Allen, believe YOU"
Tho old mans troubled look deepen
ed, but he did as the stranger desired.
John Allen, | believe you"
The stranger family smiled.
There is still something familiar
about your voice." He paused a mo-
ment. "Those were the sweetest words
| had ever heard, Abel Garner"
THE old man started.
"You!"
eyes, old friend, was that unhappy
boy Do you understand now what