He had the
assurance that usually comes with age and with a lifelong knowledge of
human nature, yet apparently he had always been possessed of it.
Once a judge having assigned him to look out for the interests of a
lawyerless prisoner suggested that he take his new client into the
adjoining jury room and give him the best advice he could. Mr. Tutt was
gone so long that the judge became weary, and to find out what had
become of him sent an officer, who found the lawyer reading a newspaper
beside an open window, but no sign of the prisoner. In great excitement
the officer reported the situation to the judge, who ordered Mr. Tutt to
the bar.
"What has become of the prisoner?" demanded His Honor.
"I do not know," replied the lawyer calmly. "The window was open and I
suspect that he used it as a means of exit."
"Are you not aware that you are a party to an escape--a crime?" hotly
challenged the judge.
"I most respectfully deny the charge," returned Mr. Tutt.
"I told you to take the prisoner into that room and give him the best
advice you could."
"I did!" interjected the lawyer.
"Ah!" exclaimed the judge. "You admit it! What advice did you give him?"
"The law does not permit me to state that," answered Mr. Tutt in his
most dignified tones. "That is a privileged communication from the
inviolate obligation to preserve which only my client can release me--I
cannot betray a sacred trust.
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