Separate trials were asked and granted, and that of the Special Agent was first taken up.
Michael D. was duly sworn, but instead of mounting the witness's stand, with one bound and a broad grin, he was inside the Judge's desk, and seated in the chair usually occupied by one of the Associate Judges! A burst of laughter followed, in which his Honor, as well as the spectators, joined. The officer in attendance on the Court was quickly alongside of Mike, and with considerable difficulty removed him to the witness' stand. Here he fixed his eyes intently on me, perhaps to keep watch, lest I should attempt to run away, considering me his prisoner at last, and evidently chuckling within himself at the thought that the time had now come to put me on as limited allowance, so far as variety went, as he had been restricted to while in Albany.
Order being now restored, the counsel commenced interrogating the witness.
"Michael, were you on your way to Illinois, from this city, on the 20th instant?"
Witness.—"Was I in Illinoi? and sure I niver was in me life; and if that spalpeen of an Agint beside ye says I was, he lies, bedad he does!"
Notwithstanding the loud calls of "stop, stop," by his lawyer, he went through with the sentence, and stood, a thumb in each arm-hole of his vest, looking defiantly at me, and apparently ready for the next question.
The Court.—"Now, Michael, you must not be in such a hurry. Try and understand what is said to you thoroughly, before answering. I shall not permit any indulgence in the use of harsh names to any of the Government officers, or to any one else in Court."
Witness.—"And didn't they stop me, and trate me the same as a male thafe, your Honor?"
The Court.—"Well, that's what we want to find out; but you must not talk, only when you are questioned; remember that."
Counsel.—"I will put the inquiry in another shape. Were you a passenger on board the steamboat for Albany, on any night during the present month?"