Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 07.pdf/252

 A Dramatic Denouement.

223

A DRAMATIC ALEXANDER HAMILTON and Aaron their rays would converge against the pillar Burr were occasionally associated in in the court-room near the place occupied the trial of a cause. On such occasions by the witness. they were almost irresistible. It is related The evening session opened, and Burr re that, on one occasion, they were retained to sumed the cross-examination of the witness. defend a man indicted for murder, and who It was a test of the profound skill and sub was generally believed to be guilty, though tlety of the lawyer, the self-possession, cour the circumstances under which the crime age and tact of the witness, standing on the was committed rendered it a deeply inter very brink of a horrid gulf, calmly and in esting case of circumstantial evidence. trepidly resisting the efforts of the terrible During the progress of the trial, as the cir man before him to push him over. At last, cumstances were developed, suspicion began after dexterously leading the witness to an to attach to the principal witness against the appropriate point, Burr suddenly seized a prisoner. Burr and Hamilton brought all lamp in each hand, and holding them in their skill in cross-examination to bear on such a manner that their light fell instan the witness, in the hope of dragging out of taneously upon the face of the witness, he him his dreadful secret. But with singular exclaimed in a startling tone, like the voice sagacity and coolness he eluded their efforts, of the avenger of blood : " Gentlemen of the though they succeeded in darkening the jury, behold the murderer!" shadows of suspicion that fell upon him, With a wild convulsive start, a face of and strengthening their convictions of their ashy pallor, eyes starting from their sockets, lips apart, his whole attitude evincing terror, client's innocence. the man sprang from his chair. For a mo Before the cross-examination of the wit ness was concluded, the court adjourned for ment he stood motionless, struggling to re gain his self-possession. But it was only a tea. "I believe our client is not guilty, and I momentary struggle; the terrible words of have no doubt that Brigham, that cunning the advocate " shivered along his arteries," witness, is really the guilty man, but he is shaking every nerve with paralyzing fear. so shrewd, cool, and deep, that I am fearful Conscious that the eyes of all in the court his testimony will hang poor Blair, our client, room were fixed upon him, reading the in spite of all we can do," said Hamilton hidden deeds of his life, he left the witness stand, and walked shrinkingly to the door to Burr, while on their way from the court of the court-room. But he was prevented room to their hotel. "I agree with you; Blair is not guilty, by the sheriff from making his escape. This scene, so thrilling and startling, may, and that Brigham is, and 1 believe we can catch him. I have a plan that will detect perhaps, be imagined, though it cannot be him, if I am not wonderfully mistaken," said described. It struck the spectators with Burr. He then proceeded to explain to his silent awe, changing the whole aspect of the trial. associate the nature of his plan. The false witness was arrested, two indict "You may succeed," said Hamilton, after listening to the plan. " It's worth trying at ments found against him : one for murder, any rate, though you have a man of iron to another for perjury. He was acquitted on his trial for murder, but subsequently con deal with." victed of perjury, and sentenced to a long After tea, Burr ordered the sheriff to pro imprisonment. vide an extra number of lights for the even ing session, and to arrange them so that i From Lawyer and Client, by L. B. Proctor.