I’d take my oath of it neighbour Joe, my Bible-oath of it, leaning forward as far as he could reach with safety, and shading his eyes with his large bony hand—
Well, I do say! whispered another.
I see the scar!—as I live, I do! cried another, peering over the heads of the multitude, as they rocked to the heavy pressure of the intruder.
But how altered he is! ... and how old he looks!...—and shorter than ever! muttered several more.
Silence there! cried the chief judge—a militia-captain, it is to be observed, and of course not altogether so lawyer-like as a judge of our day would be.
Silence there! echoed the High Sheriff.
Never see nobody so altered afore, continued one of the crowd, with his eye fixed on the judge—I will say that much, afore I stop, Mr. Sheriff Berry, an’ (dropping his voice) if you don’t like it, you may lump it ... who cares for you?
Well—an’ who cares for you, if you come to that.
Officer of the court, how now! cried the chief judge in a very loud sharp voice.
Here I be mister judge—I ain’t deef.