The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-06-03
CHAPTER TX.
A AfERCENARY GUARD.

ACK in his cell Phil had plenty Of
- time TO think-in fact, there was
nothing else TO DO.
For some time his mind dwelt
on the swiftness Of justice. To think
that in so short a space ne could be
arrested and held in prison to await
trial
It was not at all clear to him how
the case was to be conducted. He had
placed himself wholly in the hands OF
his lawyer, and was willing to do the
proper thing under the circumstances.
The guard came along and looked If
at him, as though he were a Gagged ami
nal on exhibition. Phil shivered, but
realized that he must get used to that
sort OF thing.
well. I guess you understand mat
ters a little better now" grinned the
keeper.
yes, I do" Phil tried to make it evil
dnt from his manner that he did not
wish to continue the conversation, but
the man was not satisfied with that.
Suppose you'll get about twenty
years in the pen I hear as Row your
lawyer has got it fixed so you won't
get the chair for it, the guard con-
tinued brutality
Pills sensitive nature revoited. but
he could not escape his jailer; It was
necessary for him TO sit and listen. He
could do nothing else.
you ought to get the chair for it.,
continued the guard. seeming TO relish
the thought. But there's ways OF hay
ing cases rajlrOaded through so a man
gets of with less than he deserves in
order that the State can make a quick
prosecution. They figure on a man
stayin' IN jail the rest Of his life when
he gets a twenty-year sentence. They
don't often get out after that. II they
weren't murderers before they was sent
IN they soon learns the art there"
Phil shuddered- He knew that the
mans words were true He had seen
and learned to recognize the convict
look having lived near a States prison
in his bOyhoOd
The guard was suddenly called away,
and just as Phil was returning TO his
dismal thoughts he looked up to find
that Mr.. Rogers had come to see him.
The lawyers face had a long. funeral
aspect. which fitted in we'll with the
surroundings.
We'll, it's too bad, Mr.. Daring" he
began abruptly, "but had talk with
nally got him 10 agree to a twenty
year term. instead OF the chair or free
dom, 1t was a hard pull, and he viii
grant me nothing more"
What do you mean?" cried Phil.
Just what said" answered the
other. IN a buslness-llke tone.
you don't mean that law is q cut
and-dried affair. where It IS fixed up
beforehand just what punishment an
innocent man must get?'
NO. no, that isn't it at all, young
man." protested the other. "The idea
is this. I've told you that the people
demand q conviction in this case; that
means. in the first place, that we have
almost an insurmountable barrier 10
pass. Now, it would be foolish for Us
10 90 against all wisdom and take a
trial for murder in the first degree,
when It is possible to be tried on a
charge that carries a smaller penalty
with it"
ct don't understand you clearly Phil
said slowly.
ct IS very simple. I merely went TO
the states attorney and showed him
that we had a very strong ease, that we
might win. and then he would have no
satisfaction and the people would put
him ont of Office"
And what did he say?"
After thinking IL over be readily
agreed with me. and we fixed the charge
50 at the trial you viii either get your
liberty or twenty years Imprisonment.
That is better than risking your life.
While you are serving your term. If we
lose. / shall take the case 80 higher
court until I get YOU freed