Gilpin observer., 1919-05-15
The Junior
Client
Copyright. 1910. by Western Newspaper Union,
By WALTER JOSEPH DELANEY

It was summer dullness in the law,
courts and was lolllng In chair at
the office window. trying to decide
upon brief vacation away from the,
dust and din of the city. 1 had been
in practice for year and had done
moderately well in a money way. I
turned from my idle survey of the
street as heard footstep in the hall
outside. A lad of about fourteen stood
reading the inscription on my door:
"Robert Lane, Attorney at Law"
"If you please. SIR" he said, advanc-
ing timorously, "are you Mr.. Lane"
"That's my name." replied. MOTTO
ing that the boy was very pale and
seemed laboring under some unusual
strain of agitation.
''Then l would like to ask your ad-
vice. 1 have just been discharged
from employment. They accuse me Of
something never did-stealing. They
paid me and have ten dollars In my
pocket. How much of it would you
want to tell me what l am to do?"
His eyes were fearless, his attire
neat. his whole presentation that of an
intelligent and honest youth. l noted
how much he tried to control the quiv-
ering lip and maintain the open manli-
ness that seemed natural to him.
1--WE won't talk of a fee, my lad, at
this stage of the case," said. "What
is the trouble"
Briefly he told me. He was Hal
Barton, and had been working for two
months In the wholesale jewelry estab-
lishment of Morse & Co. For some
time past it was current talk that the
house was missing various articles
from their stock. They had made n
search of the desks of the various EN-
ployees. In his own. they claimed.
they had found watch and chain
done up in n handkerchief.
81 never saw 1t before, and the hand
kerchief was not mine," explained the
lad. "The manager was cross and OBJ
stinate. He simply told me to draw
my pay and leave. think 1t very un-
just. 1t spoils my chances Of other
work, and If my sister Inez doubts my
innocence it will break my heart
Won't you help me with your advice?"'
rather greeted this sensational
break upon my loneliness as panacea
for ennui and proceeded promptly to
interrogate my youthful client. At the
| end of half an hour l was fully con-
vinced that Hal Barton was just what
he purported to be and victim of un-
toward circumstances. He was averse
to going home with his doleful story
He and his sister, IneZ, were orphans,
| Gov, 1x,tn md 7
cerned that the lad had been brought
up in the right way. / determined on
immediate action. went promptly to
the store of Morse & Co. and was soon
closeted with the manager. ,
The latter admitted thnt he had
acted rather harshly with Hal, but put
up the plant that their mysterious
losses were becoming an item that was
serious. He showed me Halls desk
and the watch and chain and the hand
kerchief. He stared at me strangely
as asked permission to retain the lat
ter article.
"Going to do some detective work?
he insinunted.
81 am, If 1t will prove the innocence
of lad you have wronged,' l an
swered gravely. ~ ask week to act
in that capacity, but at no charge to
you."
Then I went back to the office and
offered to go home with Hal. He was
overjoyed at the proffer. We found
his sister working on a dress. The
first glimpse I had of that lovely. in
genuous face new interest came into
the case for me. l told my story and
that of Hal. Not for an instant did
Inez Barton doubt the innocence of
her brother, and both seemed relieved
and glad that I extended my friendly
aid. asked Hal to call ut my Office
the next morning.
do you recall anyone with Morse
& Co. who is given to the use of per
fumery" asked Hal, "a man. for
this Is mans handkerchief. And his
name. according to the initial, begins
with c."
"C7 Ca-r-r-Carrl Oh, Mr.. Lane"
instantly cried Hal, "he is our inven-
tory clerk. He wouldn't stealW
II didn't say that he would, HAL" I
replied. "The handkerchief suggests
him. though, It seems. Never mind
forget that. Tell your sister VIII re-
port progress In day or two" and
my mind MS full Of Inez as of my SELF;
imposed mission took up the trail of
Walter Carr forthwith, learning from
Hal sufficient of his routine to man
out my plan Of action.
/ brought JOY and relief to the
humble Barton home the last day of
that week. With eyes bedewed with
grateful tears Inez Barton listened to
my story. 1t was simple one. Every
day Walter Carr went for his lunch to
the same restaurant. Every day he