Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/167

Rh There was an earnest argument, and at last the judge said the case must go on, regardless of the absence of the lawyer in Youngstown.

"Very well, then, we'll go on," said McKinley, and pitched into the case with all the earnestness at his command. The other side had hoped to obtain a verdict in two or three hours, but McKinley argued at such a length, and asked the witnesses so many questions, that the judge had to adjourn the case to the next day. Then the young lawyer rushed off to the telegraph office and sent this message to the lawyer in Youngstown:—

"No adjournment allowed. Am keeping the witnesses at it. Will you be on hand to-morrow?"

Having sent this message, he went back to his office to study up the real details of the case. He waited, expecting an answer, but none came until the following morning.

"Cannot possibly come. Do your best. You have had a night to think it over."