"I did," was the unhesitating answer.
"Were you present at Mr. Reeside's?"
"No, sir."
"Did you see Mr. Manlius coming from the house intoxicated?"
"No."
"What evidence, then, have you of the truth of your charge? We have conversed this morning with several who were present, and all say that they observed nothing out of the way in Mr. Manlius, on the occasion of which you speak. This is a serious matter, and we should like to have your authority for a statement so injurious to the reputation of the minister and the cause of religion."
"My authority is Mr. Burton, who was present."
"Did he tell you that Mr. Manlius was intoxicated?"
"He said there was a drunken minister there, and Mr. Manlius, I have ascertained, was the only clergyman present."
"Was that so?" asked the deacon of an individual who was at Mr. Reeside's.