The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1905-02-22
CHAPTER ".

fNNF oil the smooth, elusive vul-
~ lures lurking in the shadow of
EFE5fN2 the temple of justice or perch
@kSaD ing upon 1t Nicholas Frye, 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. n hooked
nose, and his thin locks, dyed jet black,
formed Il ring about his bald poll. He
walked with q stoop, as if scanning the
ground for evidence or clews, and to
add to his marked individuality when
he talked he rubbed his hands together
as though washing them with invisible
soap. 1t was not from any sense of
cleanliness that he did this, for they
had many times been soiled willingly
In the most nefarious transactions. A
client was to him Il victim to be kept
In waiting, exasperatcd 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 to an
astute lawyer.
He had been the legal adviser of
John Mason for many years, and when
that busy merchant came to him on
behalf of his son, who wanted to find
a position for Albert Page, Frye readi-
ly 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 be used
to rob him. In plain words he thought
to use this young country lawyer as a
spy. He knew that John Mason felt
q keen interest in his only son Frank,
II that was another reason for en-
ploying that sons friend. He knew
also that Frank was given Il liberal
allowance, spent it rapidly and most
likely would be getting into various
scrapes needing Il lawyers efforts to
rescue him, and so he would have fur
Their pickings in that direction. These
were two good reasons for his ostensi-
BILE acts Of kindness, and so he at once
sent for Page to come.
When, the morning after his arrival
In Boston, Albert presented himself at
Frye'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 I SO through my
letters" And then for n long half
hour Albert was left to study the bare
office walls n peculiar looks of his
future employer. Finally Frye turned
to him and asked rather abruptly,
well, Mr.. Page, what do you know
about lawW at the same time scanning
him as If expecting to see hnyseed adj
herring to his garments.
mot much perhaps" replied Albert
modestly, uncertain Of his ground. II
have been in practice only a year at
Sandgate, and the few people there do
not have much use for q lawyer"
b why didn't you stir 'em up q
little and bring EN- to see they needed
your services?" was Fryc's next query.
you VIII never succeed as q lawyer
unless you make business. Did you
bring your sheepskin with your"
mo, sir" answered Page. II didn't
think 1T necessary after what I wrote
YOU. / have 1T In my trunk"
"Well bring 1T tomorrow" said Frye.
II make 1t q rule to take nothing for
granted and have everything in writ
Ing" And then he added, with q
searching look, rs IL he was about to
utter n crusher, "What Is your idea OF
a lawyers chief object in existence?"
Page was n little nonplused. ooh, 1
suppose" he replied slowly, "to see
that laws are properly executed and
Justice done"
Frye looked at him a full minute
without making any further comment,
while n sardonic grin gradually drew
his lips apart, showing a full set Of
false teeth, and then, as he began rub
bling his hands together, he said:
IT'S evident, young man, you have
much to learn In your profession. Laws
are mad for lawyers and are the tools
Of our trade. If the world does not see
fit to use those tools, 1t is our business
to make them, and, as for Justice, that
is an allegory, useful In addressing n
jury, but considered n fable by the
Judge. Laws are useful to oppose 9TH