M'Closky. What court of law would receive such evidence? [Going.]
Ratts. Stop; this would. You called it yourself; you wanted to make us murder that Injiun; and since we've got our hands in for justice, we'll try it on you. What say ye? shall we have one law for the red-skin and another for the white?
Omnes. Try him! Try him!
Ratts. Who'll be accuser?
Scud. I will! Fellow-citizens, you are convened and assembled here under a higher power than the law. What's the law? When the ship's abroad on the ocean, when the army is before the enemy where in thunder's the law? It is in the hearts of brave men, who can tell right from wrong, and from whom justice can't be bought. So it is here, in the wilds of the West, where our hatred of crime is measured by the speed of our executions—where necessity is law! I say, then, air you honest men? air you true? Put your hands on your naked breasts, and let every man as don't feel a real American heart there, bustin' up with freedom, truth, and right, let that man step out—that's the oath I put to ye—and then say, Darn ye, go it!
Omnes. Go on. Go on.
Scud. No! I won't go on; that man's down. I won't strike him, even with words. Jacob, your accuser is that picter of the crime—let that speak—defend yourself.
M'Closky. [Draws knife.] I will, quicker than lightning.
Ratts. Seize him, then! [They rush on M'Closky, and disarm him.] He can fight though he's a painter; claws all over.
Scud. Stop! Search him, we may find more evidence.