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.  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.  Romescos has been seen passing him a very suspicious-looking document.