The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1907-01-04

He then returned to his papers anC
books, but as the afternoon wore on hi
cast frequent glances through the win
dow at John. 1t was plain that he haC
become deeply interested in the mar
whose history had been so candidly anC
honestly withheld. He could not fathon
the mystery with which the applicant
chose to envelop himself; but he trusted
that his purposes were honorable, though
he was somewhat suspicious.
Judge Parker was large hearted man.
widely known and beloved for geniality
benevolence and uniform justice. The
humblest citizen, if worthy, might apply
to him for help, certain of patient and
responsive hearing. Knowing that his
liberality had drawn him to many un
worthy applicants. he now suspected
that John had some designs upon his
philanthropy, and accordingly believed
that he needed watching.
But each glance through the window
showed ohm working industriously, with
an earnest vigor and care that cut the
sharp edges from his suspicion.
And so he worked throughout the trial
month. Faithfulness and painstaking
interest were stamped upon each detail
of his work, and many persons COM
mented to the Judge upon the improved
appearance of the place.
John was an unusual quiet and unob-
trusive man. He seldom volunteered re-
marks save to ask instructions concern
ing his work; he never presented himself
unbidden. Judge Parker's several efforts
to elicit some account of his life failed; he
was respectfully candid in answering
that he did not wish to tell anything
about himself, saying that he entirely
rested his hope of continued employment
upon his work.
When the month ended he was re en-
gagged, and still he maintained the same
scrupulous care in every piece Of work,
however trivial He never left the place,
unless sent upon errands, and retiring
early to his room, spent the evening in
quiet pursuits.
The Judges interest in him grew into
genuine fondness. He liked to talk to
him, and found him we'll posted and
shrewd in the ways of the world, and
ever ready to converse on all subjects ex-
cept his past life; that was sealed book.
The summer wore uneventfullv away,
until one morning, late in August, a Wis
itor entered the Judges study. 1t was
Joshua Skies, a member of the bar in
the judicial district over which Judge
Parker presided. His face indicated an
important mission.
Judge" he said, after a few remarks
on general subjects, you have a new
man at work on your place"
eyes, indeed, have. i don't wonder
you've noticed it. Many others have
spoken to me of the improvement. But
he's no eye-server; he's thoroughgoing to
the smallest detail.'
Skies grinned expectedly at this enthu-
siasm, as he asked:
"What is his name ?'
"He calls himself John
mo surname, eh ?"
well, the truth is, he declined to give
it. and he's been so faithful that have
respected his reasons for concealing it,
whatever they are"
as it possible you don't remember
him, Judge"
"No, l don't; yet several times I've
thought there was something familiar
about him, either in his motions orlooks,
can't tell which"
well, I've just got back from trip to
Europe, been most all over the old coun-
try, and the moment l set eyes on your
new man knew that fellow. if he has
disguised himself with whiskers. Pm
not often deceived in people, tell you
81 dare say not, but l am, if I've ever
seen him before"
"Well, then, Judge" said Skies, with
manifest pleasure, you sentenced him
ten years ago to the penitentiary."
Judge Parker looked closely at Skies
before replying or showing any feeling at
the statement. The man was not
favorite at the bar. He bore reputa-
ton for pettiness, his cases usually being
trivial, most of them plainly trumped up
by himself upon trifling disputes between
parties, and he was given to volunteer
ing service as bids for favor.
So the Judge looked at him, secretly
displeased at the disclosure. He didn't
want to hear evil of John; he liked him,
and was disposed to believe this one of
Skies designs upon his favor.
"His name, Mr.. Skiles?"
John Dorker," replied Skies elusive
ly. "You sentenced him ten years ago
last March for burglary, which was
proved beyond the slightest shadow of
doubt. There wasn't a scintilla of
evidence in his favor. Why, the jury were
out only about ten minutes. l was
present during the trial, and can truth
fully say it was the plainest case of guilt
in my legal experience. You sent him up
for five years."
"Are you certain of this, Mr.. Skiles?"
the Judge asked coldly. It's a very
serious matter to brand man aconvict.
He is doing we'll here. May you not be
mistaken
mo, indeed; l never forget a face"
at seems that 1 do, then. What is
your purpose"
Simply to warn you, sir.
what good will it do you if l dis
charge him."
These questions cut close and Skies
WINGED little as ne answered.
"None at all, sir. l don't expect it to,
except that inward consciousness of
doing a service. l thought you would
certainly not wish to have a man sleep.
ing in your house whom you sentenced
yourself and who served his term in
prison"
"Well, now, Mr.. Skies, to be frank
with you, don't believe in always put
ting the foot of virtuous scorn on mans
neck because he was once a criminal.
There's no reason why such a man
shouldn't reform and lead au honest
life. I've sentenced many men to prison,
but have never had a good chance to do
one kindness. l honestly believe that
many criminal would rise to rectitude
if helped, and John is one of them"
1--WE generally try to get rid of a
stumbling horse, Judge" said Skies with