His defence of his honour cannot longer be tolerated;
and yet, very much after the fashion of great outlaws, who, when
arraigned for their crimes, think themselves very badly used men,
Romescos has the most exalted opinion of himself; never for a moment
entertains a doubt of his own integrity.
He reaches over the bar; places his lips to the attorney's ear; is
about to whisper something. That gentleman quickly draws back, as if
his presence were repulsive. Not the least offended, Romescos winks
significantly, crooks the fore-finger of his right hand, and
says-"something that'll put the stopper on." The legal gentleman
seems reconciled; listens attentively to the important information.
"All right! nothing more is needed," he says, rising from his seat,
and asking permission to introduce proof which will render it quite
unnecessary to proceed with anything that may have for its object
the impeachment of the witnesses.
The attorney for the defence objects to this mode of procedure; and
the judge, having sustained the objections, orders the counsel to
proceed with his witnesses. Several persons, said to be of very high
standing, are now called. They successively depose that they would
not believe Romescos nor Graspum upon oath; notwithstanding, both
may be very honourable and respectable gentlemen. Thus invalidating
the testimony of these high functionaries of the peculiar
institution, the gentleman of the prosecution has an opportunity of
producing his conclusive proof.
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