The Argosy, August 1905 — page 162: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

152 THE ARGOSY. die an ignominious death on the gallows if I can help it; but, nevertheless, I can- not answer a single one of your ques- tions—that one particularly. If you want to undertake my defense you must do it without asking me to answer a single question. I would rather go to the allows than do so.” “Well, well! This is most extraor- dinary,” said Professor Wilson in amazement. “I never heard of a prisoner refusing to confide in his coun- sel before except when he was guilty of the crime, and even then many have trusted their lawyers with a ful] con- fession beforehand and got off scot free as a consequence.” “ Think me guilty if you want to, pro- fessor,” said Courtney with a bitter laugh; “perhaps Iam. Those are the only terms, however, on which I will consent to being defended at all. If you want to take up my case, you must not, I repeat, expect me to answer a single question.” “ But, my dear fellow, don’t be ab- surd. How can I build up any sort of defense without your help? Be reason- able. Tell me at least why you fled to Slocum Corners, instead of awaiting de- velopments as the others did.” “JT ean tell you nothing, professor. li you can’t build up a defense without my help, why, let me hang. I won’t blame you any.” “You're not guilty, are you, my boy?” asked the lawyer in so anxious a tone that the words were robbed of all offense. “You can believe me so if you wish,” replied Courtney obstinately. “I may plead not guilty to the charge, or I may change my mind even about that. What do I care if I am hanged or if I am freed? ” “And you won’t tell me how that dagger came into your room?” “T must respectfully decline.” “ You are assuming a very foolish at- titude.” © Possibly so; but remember, profes- sor, these are the only terms on which I will consent to being defended at all. Don’t think, please, that I do not appre- ciate your kindness and the*kindness of about this affair. I must let things’ take their course and trust to fate.” “Tf you persist in this silence there js not one chance in a thousand of getting you off. Do you understand that ?” Bob’s only reply was a shrug of his shoulders. “Well,” said Professor Wilson al- most angrily, “ perhaps you'll change your mind later on and desist from this stubborn course. I will leave you now and do all I can to help you. Think this thing over and see if you would not be doing better by taking me into your confidence.” Professor Wilson left the prison, and as he walked up the road to the uni- versity he met Professor Starling. * Hello, Wilson! ” exclaimed the lat- ter. “Just been to visit your client, I suppose ? ” “Yes, I have;” was the moody reply. “Guess you will have a hard job to get him acquitted, eh?” “IT shan’t be able to get him ac- quitted at all,” burst out Wilson angrily. “The confounded young ass will hang for a crime I am almost sure he did not commit.” “What! You don’t mean to say you have despaired of the case already? ” “ Yes, that is just what I do mean to say. JI can’t get any help out of the young fool. He won’t answer any of my question; or take me into his con- fidence at «ll. Maintains a haughty, indifferent manner, as if I were the pub- lic prosecutor instead of the lawyer for the defense.” 7 “The deuce you say! Did you tell him that he was running a desperate risk by such a course?” “I most certainly did. I told him he would positively hang if he did not open up to me. The silly ass replied that he didn’t care if he was hanged or not.” “Most extraordinary attitude to as- sume. Well, we must save him some way.” “Save him! With that strong cir- cumstantial evidence against him, I tell you there isn’t a chance in the world. Why, I almost begin to believe in his guilt myself.” =, comicbooks.com |