25. XXV.
A HARD CASE.
We have heard of some very hard cases
since we have enlivened this world with our
brilliant presence. We once saw an able-bodied
man chase a party of little schoolchildren
and rob them of their dinners.
The man who stole the coppers from his
deceased grandmother's eyes lived in our
neighborhood, and we have read about
the man who went to church for the sole
purpose of stealing the testaments and
hymn-books. But the hardest case we
ever heard of lived in Arkansas. He was
only fourteen years old. One night he
deliberately murdered his father and mother
in cold blood, with a meat-axe. He was
tried and found guilty. The Judge drew
on his black cap, and in a voice choked
with emotion asked the young prisoner if
he had anything to say before the sentence
of the Court was passed on him. The
court-room was densely crowded and there
was not a dry eye in the vast assembly.
The youth of the prisoner, his beauty and
innocent looks, the mild lamblike manner
in which he had conducted himself during
the trial—all, all had thoroughly enlisted
the sympathy of the spectators, the ladies
in particular. And even the Jury, who
had found it to be their stern duty to declare
him guilty of the appalling crime
—even the Jury now wept aloud at this
awful moment. “Have you anything to
say?” repeated the deeply moved Judge.
“Why, no,” replied the prisoner, “I think
I haven't, though I hope yer Honor will
show some consideration FOR THE FEELINGS
OF A POOR ORPHAN!” The Judge sentenced
the perfect young wretch without delay.
