human
Well, gentlemen, what shall we do with the prisoner?
gpt
We're waiting for _you_,
human
Well, you need not, retorted Mr. Watson, as he made a fling at Yankee's other eye, and with very good success.
gpt
You know my sentiments, gentlemen. I was opposed to bringing the prisoner here. We might have fixed up the matter all at one time, and saved a heap of diggin'.
human
It--might--have--done, said the tall Miler, doubtfully;
gpt
Bet yer ten to one ye don't swing him! cried Watson, springing to his feet with sudden inspiration, and mounting the bench he had been whittling.
human
Twenty to one Jack Borlan don't choke this heat! Who takes me? who? who?
gpt
Bosh! you Ten Milers are all babies. Now, if this had happened up at Quit Claim, Borlan would have had a beautiful tombstone over him long ago. What do _you_ say, Borlan?
human
There have been cases where the prisoner had the benefit of a trial, Mr. Watson.
gpt
Which is so, Mr. Borlan. Obliged to you fur reminding me. Let's have one, gentlemen. I'll be prosecuting attorney, if no one objects; now, who'll defend the prisoner at the bar?
human
I'll make a feeble attempt that way,
gpt
This is betwixt us Ten Milers, said Watson.
human
Borlan is guilty, and we're bound to hang him before sundown; but we want to do the fair thing, and give him the benefit of a trial. Who of you Ten Milers will defend him?
gpt
I told you _I_ would defend Mr. Borlan,
human
I tell you we won't have any outsiders in this game,
gpt
I really dislike to contradict you, Mr. Watson, remarked Tom Ruger, as he very carefully readjusted his hat.
human
Very sorry, Mr. Watson, and I do hope you'll pardon me when I repeat that I will defend Mr. Borlan--_with--my--life_!