THEIR FIRST YEAR’S MARRIED LIFE. 
65 
and unanimously pronounce the defendants 
Not Guilty.” 
In accordance, then, with the verdict of the 
jury,” said the judge, addressing the Thrushes, 
I release you from custody, free from all sus- 
picion or taint of guilt. I will not dwell upon 
the peculiarities of this case, nor comment 
upon the trials and sorrows that you have 
lately gone through ; the sweet consciousness 
that your innocence has been proved beyond a 
doubt to all your neighbors, will alleviate in 
part the effects of those trials and sorrows ; 
but it is our duty, not only to you, but to our- 
selves, to our whole community, that we inflict 
upon the wicked Jay the punishment that his 
crimes demand. I propose, therefore, friends 
and neighbors, that we pronounce against him 
some sentence proportionate to the enormity 
of his crimes, and as you. Brown Thrushes, 
are the sufferers by his present wickedness, 
we name you as his judges. What shall be 
done to him to punish him for his misdeeds ? ” 
Your Honor,” said Brown, after a mo- 
ment’s consultation with his mate, we do not 
5 
