As might have been expected, it allowed great weight to the distinction taken by the brigadier.

The decision was in the following words, viz.: "Rex et Regina versus No.

1, sea-water-color: ordered, that the officers of justice shall proceed forthwith to decaudizate the defendant before they decapitate him; provided he has not been forthwith decapitated before he can be decaudizated." The moment this mandamus was put into the hands of the proper officer, Brigadier Downright caught me by the knee, and led me out of the hall of justice, as if both out lives depended on our expedition.

I was about to reproach him for having volunteered to aid the king's attorney-general, when, seizing me by the root of the tail, for the want of a button-hole, he said, with evident satisfaction: "Affairs go on swimmingly, my dear Sir John! I do not remember to have been employed, for some years, in a more interesting litigation.

Now this cause, which, no doubt, you think is drawing to a close, has just reached its pivot, or turning-point; and I see every prospect of extricating our client with great credit to myself." "How! my brother Downright!" I interrupted; "the accused is finally sentenced, if not actually executed!" "Not so fast, my good Sir John--not so fast, by any means.