Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/155

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OF WILLIAM McKINLEY
125

tired out, he lay down and took a much-needed sleep.

Ten o'clock of the next day found him in court. When the case was called, many were surprised to see him come forward, for they had expected to see Judge Belden appear.

"Humph! McKinley can't handle such a case as that," said one. "He will lose it, sure." Others said nothing, but shook their heads.

Presently the case was called, and the young lawyer arose and presented his argument. It was so clear and forceful that everybody was surprised. At a glance the case had appeared very much mixed up, now McKinley straightened out every difficulty, and showed plainly that his client was in the right and ought to have a decision in his favor. Then the papers were submitted, and all waited for the result.

It was not long in coming. The decision was in McKinley's favor, and the wording of the paper showed that the judge sitting in the case fully agreed with the young lawyer in every point he had raised.

It was a great triumph, and McKinley