human
The prosecutor --Jones--
gpt
(This sentence had been in my brief.)
human
The design of the law is to protect those who, for some _honest_ purpose, are induced upon false and fraudulent representations to give credit or part with their property to another, and not to protect those who, for _unworthy_ or illegal purposes, part with their goods.
gpt
Why, Quib, quoth Gottlieb,
human
Indeed, I replied,
gpt
Yes--but to our profit, he retorted, with a grin.
human
Don't forget that. The inventors will all come flocking straight to us to get them out of their difficulties--you may be sure of it!
gpt
I said,
human
Exactly! exclaimed my partner.
gpt
And here is another idea that is well calculated to appeal to almost anybody. It has just occurred to me quite involuntarily while you were speaking. Many of our clients want to know if they cannot send the judge, who is trying the case, a present of some sort, or maybe loan him a little money; and it is always distressing to be obliged to tell them--usually-- that it is quite out of the question; that it would only get them into trouble. Of course, occasionally we let them send the judge a box of cigars, _but always with the compliments of our adversary --never our own_. Now this shows how readily persons who are mixed up in lawsuits or other difficulties would be ready to put up their money if they supposed the judge were going to get it. All you need is some unscrupulous fellow to go up to one of our clients and mention the fact that he is the judge's brother-in-law and is in dearth of ready money. Can't you see the client digging up the needful? He'd be stuffing it down our friend's pockets before he got through speaking; and the whole thing could be done quite openly, you observe, because, even if the client found out later that he had made a mistake, the law would not help him.
human
An excellent illustration, I answered,
gpt
Indeed, though, continued Gottlieb,
human
Safe? I queried.
gpt
I don't understand. You would have bought the property, that is all.
human
My dear Quib, returned my partner,
gpt
Yes, I answered;
human
A dozen! cried Gottlieb, bounding enthusiastically out of his chair and commencing to stalk up and down the room.
gpt
A hundred! Why, there are endless ways in which it can be worked--and I know the man to work them too!
human
Eh!
gpt
I mean, who will undoubtedly avail himself of some of them, he corrected himself.
human
Take this case: It is a crime under the law to give back or rebate part of the premium on a life insurance policy. Now many a man could be induced to insure his life if he could get back the first year's premium. All you have got to do is to tell him that you are an insurance agent and will give it back--and then put the money in your own pocket, for he will have given you the premium for an illegal purpose--that is to say, with the idea of having it paid back to him contrary to law. Under the decision he will have no chance to get you arrested.
gpt
Never say that you are not a man of ingenuity yourself,