50 
THE BROWN THRUSHES: 
this transaction, are not only innocent, but are 
really the sufferers in one of the most atro- 
cious conspiracies ever heard of. 
We will not attempt to create in your 
minds a favorable feeling for our clients by 
describing to you the beautiful and admirable 
domestic virtues with which their former lives 
were surrounded ; we leave such artful and 
transparent efforts for the opposing counsel ; 
we do not wish to make capital out of what 
we regard as simply our duty. We will give 
our attention to the facts of this alleged kid- 
napping, and the evidence that has been 
brought against us. 
The facts in the case are simply these : 
the defendants, an honest, upright young 
couple, against whom there never had been a 
breath of calumny known, with an interesting 
young family of four beautiful Thrushes, 
are living in peace with all their neighbors 
and acquaintances. Their young ones being 
blessed with good appetites, they are kept 
busily employed through the day in procuring 
for them sufficient food. You all know how 
