Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1910-03-10
His irst Case
By BELLE MANDATES

ret'S eyes as he read the letter bear.
ing the postmark of an upstate town
1t carried him back to his early life
of toll on farm where he had earned
the money for college. From college
by stroke of fortune in attracting
the favorable notice of Judge Larned
he had been taken into a law office,
where he had assisted in the prepare
ton of many case, but his first case
one in which he would have entire
and undivided sway, was yet to be-
and to the gaining and winning of this
case he had great incentive.
The incentive now darkened the
doorway, and a charming laugh rip
pied in, calling him back from the land
of meadows
Were you dreaming she asked
with feeting glance, "of your first
case?"
NO" he replied. reluctantly forced
to the truth. The letter / just re
ceived carried me back to my early
iife-on farm"
You never told me about those
days, she said, reproachfully.
There is little to tell Such home
ly Details was ragged, hapless lit
tie chap, and worked hard and grew
up to be gawky lad with a longing
for the law. saved enough to exc
my way through college. Then your
father took me in here. / met you,
and now, oh, Denise!'
What is it, Carrot? It isn't. Oh,
dear, / see! it isyour first easel"
"Yes."
I There was only time for a rapturous
glance before her father, the Judge,
entered. Carrot read him the letter,
which was from the son of man who
owned the farm on which Carrot was
raised, and who had advanced him
the money to go to college. There
were some complications in the will
by which the young farmer had in
herited his land, and a law suit was
impending. He had written to Gar
ret to employ his services. Carrot
explained at length the details of the
case, Denise listening with concen-
trated attention.
Some way, it seems like call to
me, and fitting that my first effort in
legal way should be for the good
of my friend and the son of my bene-
factor. He was my chum."
There was an assumption of vexa-
ton in her fair brow and pouting lips
that enlightened the Judge. He knew
that Carrot was Conditioned and he
concluded that the condition was the
winning of his first case
He can win it, if it is to be won"
predicted the judge. He cannot re-
fuse, of course"
The next day Carrot went to the
scenes of his early struggles in life
to look over the ground. Two days
later he returned, going directly to
the home of the Judge, where he found
Denise alone. Her attitude was still
roachful-almost resentful.
well. Garrett she asked. did you
find any encouraging evidence?"
Il fear not. ran up for the day to
let your fathers focusing eye mag
nifty little speck that see"
why, of course" she said little
coldly, "if SO much hinges on your
winning your first case, you would
naturally want to win"
Denise" he replied earnestly, "as
deeply as love you, our marriage is
not the only incentive. My friend has
a wife and babies. The loss of all his
property would wreck happy little
household"
Her eyes were turned persistently
from him.
II must go to the Office now" he
said after a slight pause. 81 go back
tonight"
Her farewell was in frigid tone,
and he went away, depressed by her
lack of sympathy and understanding.
1t took the entire day for the judge
to go over the tangled evidence with
him, and he barely made his train
II will be out when the case comes
to court if you wish, Garrett volun-
teered the judge. Il may see point
here and there to suggest"
ooh, judge, it is more than dared
ask" exclaimed Garrett gratefully. ct
is awfully kind
Well said the judge, sit seems to
be matter of Importance to my fam
lily that you win"
Then noting the vince in the young
mans eyes. he added kindly: you
mustn't put too much Importance on
young woman's pique. Her heart is
all right"
Two weeks later the judge informed
Denise of his intention.
Il shall go with you. papa,' she an
nounced.
That's a good idea, Denise. Your
presence will sustain Carrot even more
than will NINE"
At the tap on his shoulder Carrot
turned and saw her.
Garrett she whispered, her heart
aglow at the lovelight in his eyes as
he slipped into the seat beside her II