“Wa-al,” exclaimed Silas P. Meacham, throwing down the paper and revealing his few yellow teeth in a mocking grin—“wa-al, what d’ye want me t’ do—kiss ye?”
Court—(to prosecutor)—“Then you recognize this handkerchief as the one which was stolen?”
Prosecutor—“Yes, your honor.”
Court—“And yet it isn’t the only handkerchief of the sort in the world. See, this one I have in my pocket is exactly like it.”
Prosecutor—“Very likely, your honor; there were two stolen.”
The company of soldiers had been receiving a lesson in minor tactics, and among other subjects was the method of patrols in getting information. The book said that information could be obtained from “mayors, postmasters, livery-stable keepers, doctors, peasants, etc.”
The lieutenant turned to Finnegan and said: “Do you know what a peasant is, Finnegan?”
He answered promptly, “Yes, sor.”