On the opposite side there was the strongest possible array, both as to number and talents.  Mr. Tomlinson felt that his case was hopeless.  On the first day the prosecution argued their case with great ability.  On the second day, the claims of Mr. Tomlinson were presented, with even less point and tact than before; it was clear that the advocate either considered the case a bad one, or had lost all interest in it.  The other side followed with increased confidence, and, it was plain, made a strong impression upon the court.  A feeble rejoinder was given to this, but it produced little or no effect.

Just at this crisis, an individual, not before particularly noticed by Mr. Tomlinson, arose and addressed the court.  His opening remarks showed him to be familiar with the whole subject, and his tone and manner exhibited a marked degree of confidence.  It was soon apparent which side of the case he had taken; if by nothing else, by the frown that settled upon the brow of Allison.  He was a young man, tall and well made, with a strong, clear voice, and a fine command of language.  The position in which he stood concealed so much of his face from Mr. Tomlinson, that the latter could not make out whether it was one with which he was familiar or not.  The voice he had heard before.

The volunteer advocate, after having occupied the court for an hour, during which time he had shown a most minute and accurate knowledge of the matter in dispute, gave the whole question a new aspect.  During the second hour that his argument was continued, in which precedent after precedent, not before introduced, were brought forward, bearing a direct application to the case under review, the court exhibited the most marked attention.  When he concluded, all present saw hope for the old Virginian.

This new and unexpected champion in the cause aroused the counsel of Allison to another and more determined effort; but he tore their arguments into ribands, and set off their authorities with an overwhelming array of decisions directly in the teeth of those they introduced bearing upon their side of the question.  It was wonderful to observe his perfect familiarity with the whole matter in dispute, the law bearing upon it, and the decisions of courts in this country and England, that could in any way throw light upon it, far outstripping the learned advocates on both sides, who had been at work upon the case for five years.

During the time this brilliant champion was fighting his battle for him in the last defensible position he could ever obtain, Mr. Tomlinson remained as if fixed to the spot where he was sitting, yet with his mind entirely active.  He saw, he felt that there was hope for him; that this heaven-sent advocate, whoever he was, would save him from ruin.  At last the case closed, and the court announced that its decision would be given in the morning.

“Who is he?” Mr. Tomlinson heard some one ask of his persecutor, as the young man closed his last and most brilliant effort.