Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1909 — A Cunning Lawyer. [ARTICLE]

A Cunning Lawyer.

Some people lose their heads at the first sign of defeat, and by so doing insure it. Not so one old lawyer, however. His presence of mind has obtained a favorable verdict on many occasions when the odds were decidedly against him. Recently, it is said, he instructed a very young client of his to weep every time he thumped the desk In front. Unfortunately, however, the young lady mistook one of the lawyer’s im-' pressive taps for a decided thump, and hurst into a fit of sobbing at the wrong moment. “What Is the matter with you?” demanded the presiding Judge. • The lady looked up and answered through her tears: ' “He,’’ Indicating the lawyer, “told me to cry every time he thumpid tLo table! ” Here was a nice predicament, surely enough, to unnerve the coolest. But the astute lawyer was eqval to the occasion, and actually turned the circumstances to his advantage. “Gentlemen,” he said impressively, turning to the Jdry, “how can you reconcile the Wea of crime in con-* junction with such childish candor and simplicity? I await your verdict with the utmost confidence.” And he was duly rewarded.