It was then the first week in August, and they were naturally in a hurry to finish their work.

It was now their duty to decide on the merits of what they had heard, to form a judgement as to the veracity of the witnesses, and declare, on behalf of the country which they represented, whether or no this bridge should be built at the expense of the nation.
With his decision each was ready enough; but not one of them dreamed of being influenced by anything which had been said before them.

All the world--that is, all that were in any way concerned in the matter--knew that the witnesses for the bridge were anxious to have it built, and that the witnesses against the bridge were anxious to prevent the building.

It would be the worst of ignorance, ignorance of the usage of the world we live in, to suppose that any member of Parliament could be influenced by such manoeuvres.

Besides, was not the mind of each man fully known before the committee met?
Various propositions were made by the members among themselves, and various amendments moved.