"
Thus did one of his accusers take up the thread of the discourse as
concluded in part by the chairman. Another and another followed with
like speeches in the most rapid succession, until all was again
confusion; and the voice of the lawyer, after a hundred ineffectual
efforts at a hearing, degenerated into a fine squeak, and terminated at
last in a violent fit of coughing, that fortunately succeeded in
producing the degree of quiet around him to secure which his language
had, singularly enough, entirely failed. For a moment the company ceased
its clamor, out of respect to the chairman's cough; and, having cleared
his throat with the contents of a tumbler of Monongahela which seemed to
stand permanently full by his side, he recommenced the proceedings; the
offender, in the meantime, standing mute and motionless, now almost
stupified with terror, conscious of repeated offences, knowing perfectly
the reckless spirit of those who judged him, and hopeless of escape from
their hands, without, in the country phrase, the loss at least of "wing
and tail feathers.
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