On arriving before Justice Claiborne, it required all the authority of both sheriff and justice to obtain silence. A partial lull, however, enabled the latter to proceed with the case.
“Now, gentlemen!” said he, speaking in a firm, magisterial tone, “I am ready to hear the charge against this young man. Of what is he accused, Colonel Hickman?” inquired the justice, turning to the sheriff.
“Of negro-stealing, I believe,” replied the latter.
“Who prefers the charge?”
“Dominique Gayarre,” replied a voice from the crowd, which I recognised as that of Gayarre himself.
“Is Monsieur Gayarre present?” inquired the justice.
The voice again replied in the affirmative, and the fox-like face of the avocat now presented itself in front of the rostrum.
“Monsieur Dominique Gayarre,” said the magistrate, recognising him, “what is the charge you bring against the prisoner? State it in full and upon oath.”
Gayarre having gone through the formula of the oath, proceeded with his plaint in true lawyer style.
I need not follow the circumlocution of legal phraseology. Suffice it to say, that there were several counts in his indictment.