for forensic contests,--Mr. Atherton's argument was listened to with an
earnestness and interest which showed the conviction of his audience that
no ordinary man was addressing them.

"No one who witnessed that memorable trial will soon forget the argument
of Mr. Pierce on that occasion. He was the counsel for the defendant,
and was therefore to precede Mr. Atherton. He was to analyze and unfold
to the jury this vast body of evidence under the watchful eyes of an
opponent at once enterprising and cautious, and before whom it was
necessary to be both bold and skilful. He was to place himself in the
position of the jury, to see the evidence as they would be likely to
regard it, to understand the character of their minds and what views
would be the most likely to impress them. He was not only to be familiar
with his own case, but to anticipate that of his opponent, and answer as
he best might the argument of the counsel. And most admirably did he
discharge the duties he had assumed on behalf of his client. Eminently
graceful and attractive in his manner at all times, his demeanor was then
precisely what it should have been, showing a manly confidence in himself
and his case, and a courteous deference to the tribunal he was
addressing. His erect and manly figure, his easy and unembarrassed air,
bespoke the favorable attention of his audience. His earnest devotion to
his cause, his deep emotion, evidently suppressed, but for that very
reason all the more interesting, diffused themselves like electricity
through his hearers. And when, as often happened, in the course of his
argument, his clear and musical accents fell upon the ear in eloquent and
pointed sentences, gratifying the taste while they satisfied the reason,
no man could avoid turning to his neighbor, and expressing by his looks
that pleasure which the very depth of his interest forbade him to express
in words. And when the long trial was over, every one remembered with
satisfaction that these two distinguished gentlemen had met each other