the words? Here the learned counsel minutely examined the evidence,
and arrived at the conclusion, that it was impossible to ascertain
them. Hence, he said, the _corpus delicti_ is wanting. But suppose
the words were as testified by some, though they are contradicted by
others, "damned abominable," what then? Was that reviling or
profane speaking? The words were two. Now, no one would pretend that
"abominable" was profane language. "The idea is abominable," said
Tippit, "and I hope brother Ketchum won't take me up for saying that.
What does the other word mean?" Hereupon the counsel referred to a
dictionary, to which also we refer our readers. "There you see," said
he, "there is no harm in it. At most, the word can in its present
application, be considered only as an intensitive, or the like.
The fact is, may it please the court, it is but a strong form of
expression, and means no more nor less than _very_, and I should be
willing to leave it to the good sense of those who hear me, as to a
jury, to say if my construction is not correct."

Here Tom Gladding nodded his head at Tippit.

"Mr. Gladding," continued Tippit, "nods his head, and I honor his
judgment, and venture to say there is not a man here better qualified
to speak on the subject."

Here there was a general laugh at Tom's expense, in which the court
itself joined. Tom, appearing to regard the joke very little, and
only saying, "The squire's got it right by chance this time, I guess."
Presently, the court commanded silence, and Mr. Tippit proceeded.

"I flatter myself," he added, "that I have satisfied your honor there
is no profane language in the case; and that ought to be sufficient