Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-04-07

ing upon IL N1cnOIaS RYE. or
"Old Nick" as many called him, was
the most cunning Nor did his looks
belle the comparison. for he had deep
set shifty, yellow gray eyes. a hooked
nose, and his thin locks. dyed jet black.
formed a ring nbout his bald poll. He
walked with Il stoop rs II scanning the
ground for evidence or cews. and 10
add TO his marked individuality when
he talked he rubbed his hands together
as though wishing them with invisible
soap. 1t was not from any sense Of
cleanliness that he did this, for they
in the most nefarious transactions. A
client was tn him victim TO be kept
in waiting. eSaspcratcd in regard to his
grievances by all possible means, de-
luded as to his chances of success in
quest of justice, deceived as to its cost
and robbed in every way known 10 an
ustute lawyer.
lie Ind been the legal adviser OF
John Mason for many years, and when
that busy merchant came to him OIL
behalf of his son. who wanted to find
q position for Albert Page. Frye rcad-
~ promised TO give him employment.
1t was not because he needed him, but
because he saw at once that through
some friendship for this young sprig
of the law, as he intuitively considered
Albert to be, he could strengthen his
hold upon the father and obtain some
secrets that might eventually he used
to rob him. In plain words, he thought
TO use this young country lawyer as a
spy. He knew that John Mason felt
a keen interest in his only son Frank.
and that was another reason for EN-
ployng that sons friend. He knew
also that Frank was given liberal
| allowance, spent It rapidly and most
likely would be getting into various
scrapes needing lawyers efforts to
rescue him, and so he would have fur
ther pickings in that direction. These
We're two good reasons for his ostensl-
bic acts of kindness, and so he at once
sent for Page TO come.
When, the morning after his arrival
in Boston. Albert presented himself ut
Fryc's office. he found that lawyer
busy reading his mail.
Take n seat. sir" said Frye politely.
after Albert had introduced himself,
"and excuse me until | go through my
letters And then for long half
hour Albert was left to study the bare
office walls and peculiar looks Of his
future employer. Finally Frye turned
to him and asked rather abruptly.
well. Mr.. Page, what do you know
about lGH'!' at the same time scanning
him as if expecting to see hayseed ad-
herring to his garments.
Not much perhaps" replied Albert
modestly, uncertain Of his ground. II
have been in practice only year at
Sandgatc, and the few people there do
not have much use for II lawyer
Then why didn't you stir 'em up
little and bring EN- to see they needed
your services" was Fryes next query.
You will never succeed as n lawyer
unless YOU make business. Did you
bring your sheepskin with you?'
NO. sir" answered Page. Il didn't
think it necessary after what | wrote
you. ! have 1T in my trunk
well, bring it tomorrow" said Frye.
II make it rule to take nothing for
granted and have everything in writ
| ing" And then he added, with a
searching look. as II he was about to
utter a crusher, What is your idea OF
a lawyers chief object in eIistence:'
Page was a little nonplused. "Oh, l
suppose" he replied slowly. ito see
that laws are properly executed and
justice done"
Frye looked at him a fun minute
without making any further comment
while sardonic grin gradually drew
his lips apart showing full set Of
false teeth. and then. as he began rub
bling his hands together, he said:
"ltS evident. young man, You have
much 10 learn in your profession. Laws
are made for lawyers and are the tools
OF our trade. If the world does not see
fit to use those tools, il is our business
to make them. and. as for Justice, that
is an allegory, useful in addressing a
jury. but considered fable by the
Judge Laws are useful to oppose 9th
ar laws with, and various decisions are
only good in so far as they help your
case and hinder your opponents
You seem MI honest appearing young
man. which is well so far as our rcla
tons 90, but no further. want an ns
sistant one who Is ready and will
ing to do Just as direct and TO ask NJ
questions. Do you think you can HI
the bill!'
II can try" replied Albert quietly
"and rs soon as l get used to your
methods Of procedure here ! think
can succeed
lie was n little startled at the pectil
lar character Of his employer and in /;
way slightly disguised, but he was no
in a position to cavl Or feel Queamisl
over apparent lack of honesty and re
solved at once to ignore it.
what do you wish me to do?' n
continued after moment. Il will d.
the best can for you and am ready t
60 TO work now"
'"You are to be at the Office at
o'clock sharp replied Frye. talk
one hour for lunch and remain til
g." Then ne added by way OF a spu
to his slaves fidelity: Il am payini
you S75 Il month on the recommend o
an important client OF mine who want
ed to hume. his son. 1t was your goo,
luck IN have this sons friendship. n