The girls sank down on this, making queer "faces" and comical gestures.

"My first offense!" sighed Alice, with mock sadness.

"Same here!" said Tavia in similar tone.

"Since you wish it," said Ralph to Alice, "I can act as counsel. You
know I really am studying law, and there is nothing like taking cases
for experience."

"Now, no skylarking here," called out the squire, "I want to hear all
about that case, let me see--the case of--I've got it somewhere," and he
turned the soiled pages of the "records" over rather roughly,
considering they were supposed to belong to the town of Dalton.

Tavia was biting her lips. She felt every moment the laugh would get the
better of her and get out on its own accord, but she tried bravely to
suppress it.

Ralph was whispering to Alice. Evidently he was pleased with the
information she imparted, for he, too, smiled broadly as the squire
called:

"Octavia Travers, step up to the bar!"

"What for?" asked Tavia saucily.

"To swear--take your oath--make your affidavit," called the squire
sharply.