Sergeant.—Why, your honour, I was about ten years old when I walked in my sleep, and I found myself wide awake in a horse-pond that stood near my father's house.
Member.—Well, but you said at the commencement of your evidence, that you were asleep, and heard the prisoner now before the court make use of the threat towards Corporal Ragon.
Sergeant.—Fait! did I, on my oath, and that's no lie, either.
Member.—Clearly and distinctly heard the identical words?
Sergeant.—Clear as mud, your honour.
Member.—Yet you say the words were given in a whisper?
Sergeant.—Yes, your honour, but it was so loud, there were several men besides me who heard it, that were asleep at the same time, and not so near as I was, becase they slept at the other side of the barrack.
President.—You must either be a confounded oaf, or you wish to impose upon the court. Take care you do not yourself become a prisoner and be tried before this very court for perjury. I suppose you mean to say that the prisoner's talking awoke you?
Sergeant.—Fait! that's the very thing.
President.—Then you heard the expressions after you awoke?