He was about forty-
five years of age, and was not much given to riding, owned no
coverts himself, and was not a man of wealth; but he understood
the nature of hunting, knew all its laws, and was a judge of
horses, of hounds,--and of men; and could say a thing when he had
to say it.
Mr Jawstock sat on the right hand of Mr Topps, and a place was
left for the master opposite. The task to be performed was neither
easy nor pleasant. It was necessary that the orator should accuse
the gentleman opposite to him,--a man with whom he himself had been
very intimate,--of iniquity so gross and so mean, that nothing
worse can be conceived. 'You are a swindler, a cheat, a rascal of
the very deepest dye;--a rogue so mean that it is revolting to be
in the same room with you!' That was what Mr Jawstock had to say.
And he said it. Looking round the room, occasionally appealing to
Mr Topps, who on these occasions would lift up his hands in
horror, but never letting his eye fall for a moment on the Major.
Mr Jawstock told his story. 'I did not see it done,' said he.
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