"Whatever Captain Rule may have said on the subject, admitting that he said anything, just to bear out the argument (by the way Ithuel called this word arg_oo_ment, a pronunciation against which we enter our solemn protest); admitting, _I,_ say, that _he_ said anything on the subject, it cannot be testimony, as _hear_say evidence is ag'in law all the world over." The members of the court looked at the Judge Advocate, who returned the glance with an air of suitable gravity; then, on a motion of Sir Frederick's, the court was cleared to discuss the point in private.
"How's this, Mr.Judge Advocate ?" demanded Cuffe, as soon as the coast was clear; "it is of the last importance to find where that lugger is--do you hold that the question is contrary to law ?" "Its importance makes it pertinent, I think, sir, as for the legality, I do not see how it can be affected by the circumstance that the fact came up in discourse." "D'ye think so ?" observed Sir Frederick, looking much more profound than was his wont.

"Legality is the boast of English law, and I should dislike excessively to fail in that great essential.

What is _said_ must be _heard_, to be _repeated_; and this seems very like _hearsay_ testimony.

I believe it's admitted all round we must reject _that_." "What is your opinion, Captain Lyon ?" demanded the president.
"The case is somewhat knotty, but it may be untied," returned the Scot, with a sneer on his hard features.

"No need of Alexander and his sword to cut the rope, I'm thinking, when we bring common sense to bear on the point.