"And now," said the Major, "I will read a few extracts here from some documents, in support of what I have had the honour of addressing to you." And he pulled out a bundle of papers as he spoke, and laid them down before him.
The movement was not favoured by "the boys," as it indicated a tedious reference to facts by no means to their taste, and the same voice that suggested the three cheers, now sung out—
"Never mind, Major—sure we'll take your word for it!"
Cries of "Order!" and "Silence!" ensued; and were followed by murmurs, coughs, and sneezes, in the crowd, with a considerable shuffling of hobnailed shoes on the pavement.
"Order!" cried a voice in authority.
"Order anything you plaze, sir!" said the voice in the crowd.
"Whisky!" cried one.
"Porther!" cried another.
"Tabakky!" roared a third.
"I must insist on silence!" cried the sheriff, in a very husky voice. "Silence!—or I'll have the court-house cleared."