We uncovered as the judge approached us, and he shook hands with us in
the most solemn way, his own wide black hat in his hand. "A--a--hem,
gentlemen," he said, "a somewhat unusual situation for one on the
bench--most unusual, I may say. But the Court can see no harm in it,
since no law of the land is violated. Neither does the Court hold it
beneath the dignity of its office to witness this little trial of skill
between gentlemen. Further speaking, the Court does not here pass upon
questions of law, but sits rather as jury in matters of ocular evidence,
with the simple duty of determining whether certain flying objects fall
upon this or the other side of that certain line marked out as the
boundaries. Gentlemen, I am, a--hem, yours with great pleasure." If
there was a twinkle in his eye it was a very solemn one. I venture to
say he would have lost no votes at the next election were he up for
office.
"Is the case ready for argument?" presently asked the judge, benignly.
Williams and Stevenson both replied "All ready."
"I suggest that the gentlemen place their ammunition and loading tools
upon the head of the cask at my right," said the judge. "I presume it to
be understood that each may employ such charge as he prefers, and that
each shall load his own piece?" The seconds assented to this.
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