E-text prepared by Steven desJardins
and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
[This story is told by Mr. Richard Colesworthy, an attorney-at-law, ina large town in one of our Eastern States. The fact that Mr. Colesworthyis a practical man, and but little given, outside of his profession, tospeculative theorizing, adds a weight to his statements which they mightnot otherwise possess.]
In the practice of my profession I am in the habit of meeting with allsorts and conditions of men, women, and even children. But I do not knowthat I ever encountered anyone who excited in me a greater interest thanthe man about whom I am going to tell you.
I was busily engaged one morning in my office, which is on the groundfloor of my dwelling and opens upon the street, when, after apreliminary knock, a young man entered and asked leave to speak with me.He was tall and well made, plainly but decently dressed, and with afresh, healthy color on his smoothly shaven face. There was something inhis air, a sort of respectful awkwardness, which was not without asuggestion of good breeding, and in his countenance there was anannoyed or troubled expression which did not sit well upon it. I askedhim to take a chair, and as he did so the thought came to me that Ishould like to be of service to him. Of course I desire to aid andbenefit all my clients, but there are some persons whose appearanceexcites in one an instinctive sympathy, and toward whom there arise atfirst sight sentiments of kindliness. The man had said almost nothing;it was simply his manner that had impressed me. I mention these pointsbecause generally I do not take an interest in persons until I know agood deal about them.
"What can I do for you?" I asked.
The man did not immediately answer, but began searching for something inone of the pockets of his coat. The little awkwardness which I had firstnoticed, now became more apparent. He appeared to be looking for hispockets rather than for what might be in one of them. He was consciousof his ungainliness and reddened a little as he fumbled on the insideand outside of his coat.
"I pray you pardon me," he said, "but I will bring before you instantlythe matter of my business."
And so saying, he got his hand into a breast pocket and drew out alittle packet. There was a certain intonation of his voice which, atfirst made me think that he was not an American, but in that intonationt