The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1906-09-28


house whom you sentenced yourself, anC
who served his term in prison.
"Well, now, Mr.. Skiles, to be frank
with you, | don't believe in always putting
the foot of virtuous scorn on a mans neck
because he was once a criminal. There 5
no reason why such man shouldn't re-
form and lead an honest life I've SEN
fenced many men to prison, but have never
had a good chance to do one kindness. |
honestly believe that many criminal would
rise to rectitude if helped, and John is one
of them
I'VE generally try to get rid of STUN
bling horse, Judge, said Skiles with a
weak laugh. eff you doubt my story call
the man in and face him with it.
This was exactly what Judge Parker
did not wish to do. He believed the story,
but did not want to give Skiles the expect
ed satisfaction of seeing Johns disgrace
laid bare. A sincere sorrow for him arose,
and he said
"No, Mr. Skiles, IL not confront him
with it now
The pettifagger thereupon bowed him
self out, somewhat crestfallen, as he had
confidently expected to win the Judge S
influence in an appointment he aspiIed to,
and to have seen the criminal ANONYMOUSLY
dismissed.
Looking after him Judge Parker mused
II do wonder why some people love so
much to find evil than good in a person.
\ noble character is to them as Il white
washed fence, against which they delight
to throw mud hate to tell John of this,
but | suppose it must be done.
John promptly obeyed the summons,
entering respectfully and inquiringly. A
shade Of distrust on the Judges face made
him uneasy, but he calmly and with manly
dignity awaited the communication.
"Sit down, john the Judge began,
kindly; 1T may be long interview
He complied, and began nervously re-
volying his straw hat by shifting his fingers
along the edge of the brim, but be looke ed
firmly at his employer,
,
\ slight pallor swept over the honest
face as he replied:
II, is, sir. You have remembered me
at last
lyon expected me to p
II did yes, sir -
No, | didn't recognize you, John,
said the judge with note of disappoint
meni in his voice, but a lawyer at the
bar told me who you were
Always some one To give fellow a
kick, no matter how hard he's trying to
get up"
YES; it seems so. Now, John he
says sentenced YOU ten years ago to the
penitentiary. Is it true2''
1t Is, sir, was the humble reply
And you served your full term of FIVE
years p
Lacking the time of commutation, |
did.
What have you done since you were
released 2
Nothing but try, sir; shifting about
from place to place I've tried hard,
desperate hard, to lead true, honest life,
but it ; uphill work. There's a weight
on a man like me, sir. The opening pen
itentiary door is at the very foot of hill,
aud when poor fellow comes out and
tries TO walk up, there's always someone
who is glad to push him down again.
Were you guilty of the burglary
II was, SIR. 1t was my first crime.
The easy gain looked tempting, and fell
| needed money, but there is no excuse
| deserved the punishment Those awful
years, sir, gave me time for reflection, and
determined that when | got out, with
God help, to pick myself up. It's been
hard, cruelty, fearfully hard, but haven I
fallen again I'm an honest man in my
heart, sir. il the world won't acknowledge
IT,
'But why didn' you tell me this when
you came? II would have been better
III suppose it would, sir. But wa:
too weak. needed work 80 badly, and
if you had turned me away then, why
What, John.
Never mind, if you please, sir, you
didn't turn me of
Very well, John, III not ask you.
But you said you had special purpose ii
coming to me. Can't you tel me that ?
John Dorker arose, laid his hat upor
the chair, and facing the Judge, said i'm
preSsiyely
.'Do YOU remember, sir. what you saiC
when YOU sentenced me p
mo. | do not. =
well, sir, your words burnt them
selves into my heart as if they'd beer
sparks. used to fancy | saw them writ
ten in fiery letters at night upon the back
wall of my cell You spoke feeliugly, sir
ike vou pitied me, aud that's what made
them take such hold of me- They were
''Young man, you have set your foot on
dangerous path The way of crime neve
leads upward, always down, down to tbs
unkno ,sn depths The pure sunlight o
Heaven never smiles upon it. 1t i
crowded with wrecks of noble lives. When
YOU tread it you leave, mother, tru'
friends, light, peace, Heaven and Cos
behind you. You are going to prison. Ii
the quiet years you shall spend there, looG
over this life of yours, and think if you
can afford to spend the smallest portion o
it on this path. Come out pure man
You will sill be young, with much o
your life before you; many years to b'
useful and good in, and to retrieve thi
false step. Let me say from my heart,
Young man, don't t blight your life ~
He dashed the tears from his eyes ant
proceeded:
MY mother sat weeping behind me
sir, as | stood at the rail. was her only
support. God alone knew how she was Il
live during those years Your words wer'
knife thrusts, sir. | did have to leav'
her, friends, peace, Heaven and the Go'
she had SO earnestly taught me to pray to
And | did reflect, sir, in those quiet years
and came out pure man. God know
how I've tried not to let that false steI
blight my life. But wherever | ysat
some one spread the truth-"Empls ID:
that man, that John Dorker Why h
is a convict
Il became desperate temptation
stared me in the face. felt myself weak
ening. Starvation, gloom, despair,
broken hearted mother, were about me
| Il 81