T that time, in Kentucky (said the Hon. Mr. K- 



-), the law was 



very strict against what is termed "games of chance." About a 

 dozen of the boys were detected playing " seven-up " or " old sledge " 

 for money, and the grand jury found a true bill against them. Jim 

 Sturgis was retained to defend them when the case came up, of course. The more 

 he' studied over the matter, and looked into the evidence, the plainer it was that he 

 must lose a case at last — there was no getting around that painful fact. Those 

 boys had certainly been betting money on a game of chance. Even public sympa- 

 thy was roused in behalf of Sturgis. People said it was a pity to see him mar his 

 successful career with a big prominent case like this, which must go against him. 



But after several restless nights an inspired idea flashed upon Sturgis, and he 

 sprang out of bed delighted. He thought he saw his way through. The next day 

 he whispered around a little among his clients and a few friends, and then when 

 the case came up in court he acknowledged the seven-up and the betting, and, as 

 his sole defence, had the astounding effrontery to put in the plea that old sledge 

 was not a game of chance ! There was the broadest sort of a smile all over the 

 faces of that sophisticated audience. The judge smiled with the rest. But Sturgis 

 maintained a countenance whose earnestness was even severe. The opposite 

 counsel tried to ridicule him out of his position, and did not succeed. The judge 

 jested in a ponderous judicial way about the thing, but did not move him. The 

 matter was becoming grave. The judge lost a little of his patience, and said the 

 joke had gone far enough. Jim Sturgis said he knew of no joke in the matter — his. 



159 



