"Again the same thing happened, and again I kept the money that did not belong to me. This was the beginning of evil, and here I am. If he had shown any mercy to me, I might have kept silent and made no defense."
The young man covered his face with his hands, and sat down overpowered with his feelings. His mother who was near him, sobbed aloud, and bending over, laid her hands on his head. "My poor boy! my poor boy!" she murmured.
There were few undimmed eyes in the court-room. In the silence that followed, Mr. Carman exclaimed:—
"Is my character to be thus blasted on the word of a criminal, your honor? Is this right?"
"Your solemn oath that this charge is untrue," said the judge, "will clear your reputation in the eyes of the people."
At these words, James Lewis stood up again instantly. It was the unhappy boy's only opportunity, and the court felt bound in humanity to hear him. Turning his eyes upon Mr. Carman, he exclaimed:—
"Let him take his oath if he dare!"
Mr. Carman consulted with his counsel, and withdrew.