Colonel W. A. Henderson, a well-known American authority on railway law, was noted throughout the south for his abilities as a jury lawyer for many years before he turned bis attention to railways. On one occasion when engaged in a suit which has now become famous, the opposing lawyer closed his case with a brilliant argu ment lasting nearly two hours, but made the mistake of talking over the heads of the jury, who were thoroughly bored by the time he had finished. Taking in the situation Colonel Henderson said : “ The remarks of my opponent, gentlemen of the jury, remind me of a story I heard the other day. A certain Mr. Davis, who owns a large plantation down in Georgia, caught a negro in his melon patch, and thinking to frighten him deliberately aimed his gun and tired, taking care, however, not to hurt him. When the smoke cleared away, what was his surprise when, instead of finding the darkey on his knees begging for mercy, he saw him dancing for joy, while he exclaimed : “ ‘ Oh, massa Davis, I’se much obleeged to you for missin’ me. ’ “ The opposing counsel has made a brilli ant speech, but he has missed me altogether, and as it’s after dinner time now I won’t keep you longer.” The Jury returned a verdict for Colonel Henderson’s client within ten minutes.
WHY HE WAS EXCUSED.
