Here the counsel for the defence steps forward, whispers to the
clerk, and gives notice that he shall call witnesses to impeach the
characters of Graspum and Romescos. These two high dignitaries,
sitting together, express the utmost surprise at such an
insinuation. The character of neither is sacred material, nor will
it stand even in a southern atmosphere. They have been pronounced
legally impure many years ago.
Just at this juncture there is quite an excitement in the
court-room. Romescos, like a disfigured statue, rises from among his
legal friends and addresses the court on the independent principle.
"Well now, Squire, if ya'r goin' to play that ar' lawyer game on a
feller what don't understand the dodge, I'll just put a settler
on't; I'll put a settler on't what ya' won't get over. My word's my
honour; didn't come into this establishment to do swarin' cos I
wanted to; seein' how, when a feller's summoned by the Boss Squire,
he's got to walk up and tell the truth and nothin' shorter. I knows
ya' don't feel right about it; and it kind a hurts a feller's
feelins to make property of such nice young uns, especially when one
knows how nice they've been brought up. This aint the thing, though;
'taint the way to get along in the world; and seein' I'm a man of
honour, and wouldn't do a crooked thing nohow-"
His honour the Sheriff, being somewhat impressed with the fact that
Mr. Romescos is rather transgressing the rules of the court,
interposes.
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