"
Order! order! order! demands the sheriff, making a flourish with his
sword. The spectators, rising on tip-toe, express their anxiety to
have the case proceed. They whisper, shake their heads, and are
heard to say that it will be utterly useless to attempt anything
against the testimony of Graspum and Romescos. Mr. Graspum, in the
fulness of his slavish and impudent pedantry, feeling secure in the
possession of his victims, sits within the bar, seeming to feel his
position elevated a few degrees above his highness the judge.
"I do hope the interposition of this Court will not be necessary in
this case. Gentlemen of the learned profession should settle those
differences more like gentlemen," says his honour, looking down upon
his minions with a frown of contempt.
"The matter is one entirely of a professional nature, yer honour!"
responds the scion of the law, quickly, first addressing himself to
the judge, and then to the jury. "If the testimony we have already
adduced--direct as it is--be not sufficient to establish the existence
of property in these children" (Romescos has just whispered
something in his ear) "we will produce other testimony of the most
conclusive character. However, we will yield all further
cross-questioning the ladies; and I now suggest that they be
relieved from the painful position of appearing before this court
again."
Mrs. Rosebrook descends from the stand amidst murmurs and applause.
Some amount of legal tact now ensues; the attorney for the
prosecution displays an earnestness amounting to personal interest.
Pages:
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360