44 
THE BROWN THRUSHES: 
questions, that it is with no little diffidence 
that I commence my plea, opposed as I am by 
the most able talent that our bar contains.’’ 
Here he bowed politely to the counsel for the 
Browns. But I am strengthened in my cause 
by the consciousness that I am laboring for the 
right, that my efforts are directed against the 
most abominable and outrageous plot that was 
ever known, against the happiness and comfort 
of one of the most worthy and respectable fam- 
ilies of our neighborhood. 
I will not occupy your time with an ex- 
tended and elaborate argument on the merits 
of this question, for it is unnecessary ; you are 
all birds of discretion, and already know and 
appreciate the bearing of the facts, as they 
have been exposed to you. I will but review 
the most important points, and leave the mat- 
ter to your honest convictions, confident that 
you will render a verdict of ^ guilty ’ against 
these infamous disturbers of our peace and 
happiness. 
The plaintiffs in this case are well known 
to all of you. Birds of the J ury ; they are of the 
