Senator Coot must insist upon his question.
Senator Gruff still came forward in defense.

He said he had heard that Senator Coot's native State of Indiana was originally settled by people who had started for the West but lost their nerve.

In view of the timidity and weak irresolution of his Senate brother, he, Senator Gruff, was inclined to credit the tradition.

He must protest against question-asking at this time.

Senator Gruff must even warn his friend Senator Coot that to ask a question now might result in later disaster to himself.
On that point of question-putting, might he, Senator Gruff, impart a word of counsel?
A question was often a trap to catch the questioner.
One should step warily with a question.