Why He Was In The Penitentiary

An important case was tried before the criminal court of the district of Uolunibia. An old oolored man was on the witness stand. Tbc district attorney intcrrogated the witness : "What is your name?" "John Williams, sah." "Are you the John Williams who was sent to the Albany state penitentiary for larceny?" "No, sah - not this John." "Are you the John Williams who was convicted of arson, and sent to the Baltimore penitentiary?" "No, sah." Tired of asking fruitless qnertione, the district attorney suddcnly put a leading one. "Have you ever been in the penitentiary?" "Yes, sah." All eyes were now turned upon the witness. The district attorney smilcd complacently and resumud : "How many times have you been in the penitentiary?" "Twice, Bali." "Where?" "In Baltimoie, sah." "How long wero you there the first time?" "About two hours, sah." "How long the second time?" asked the attorney, rather crcstfallen. "An hour, sah. I went there to whitewash a cell for a lawyer who had robbcd his cliënt" The attorney sat down aniid the lauj;hter of the spectator?.