A Shrewd Lawyer.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 23 October 1890, Page 2

A Shrewd Lawyer.

" When I was in Arabia," said Alexander Konta, whose horae is under his hat, " I was told a story," and he was addressi g himself to a representative ot ihe St. Louis liepublic, "which il ustrates ihe resources of the Arabian lawyer, and which may offer some suggestions to the legal profession in this country. An English merchant, staying at an inn in one of the smaller towns, placed on deposit with the laudlord £300. He neglected to tako a receipt for the money, and when a few weeks later, having be i -n absent on a short journe)', he had occasion to ask for it, tho landi* n-d openod his eyes with we 1-feigne 1 astoni hment and pretended to havo forgotten the transaction. The Englishman whs naturally enraged, but he liad no proof and no witness ond in his extremity ho sought the advice of a lawyer The wino mau of tho Eist roll* clod a moment, and then gravo'y said, ''Entrust another £300 to tlio !*. roping of tho landlord, but be suro to havo a witnoss ou hand." " The Englishman was puzzled to know how this wouid lie p him, but he did as ho was directed. *' Now,'" said the lawyer the next day, "go and claim your money, but don't take your witness with yon." This was done, and the innkeepor, illprepared to practise the samo deceit the second time handed over the notes. lhe traveller once more sought his egal adviser, who said to bim, "It is well. pproach your host again, accompanied by the witness, and demand your money." Tho Eng ishman fo lowed his instructions. " But I gave you your money," protesto . his host. " Come ii"W," replied tho m* reliant, "here is a iiiftn who was present at tho time. He will toll you that ho was not a witness of what you claim. He saw mo hand you the money. Be quick, please ; I must leavo

he city." The landlord was outitted He saw the trap, but i* was ton late, a. id wi hou more ado h« made good the sum."