"And agin," said Ike, "the woman warn't crazy; I can prove that."
"That will do," said I. "How?"
"When was the deed executed?"
I stated.
"That's jest the time," said Ike, "that old covy, her brother-in-law, used her as a witness to recover his farm."
The Squire said that "the woman was under oath then, and she might tell the truth, if she was a little shattered."
"Th-u-n-der!" exclaimed Ike.
"Witnesses are sworn to tell the truth," said the Squire.
The Squire was evidently getting quizzical. Mr. Turtle begged "he would not interrupt him agin. The case was one of great importance, and it required a power of thought and research to look inter it.
"And now," continued Ike, "there are three more p'ints of la' in your case. You've got the fee of this 'ere land—that is, you've got a deed, and got inter possession; that makes a fee. And as to that, the deed don't matter so much; possession out here is jest as good. I never see a sheriff who could get a man off. 'Tain't pop'lar—won't pay—it costs votes—men don't vote for officers who push 'em; possession is more'n nine p'ints of the la' in Puddleford; it's ninety-nine—it's 'most as good as a patent."