Having procured that attention which was admitted to be the great object, more by the strength of his lungs than his argument, one of the company, who was dignified by the title of colonel, spoke out for the rest.
"I say, boys--'tisn't of any use, I reckon, for everybody to speak about what everybody knows.

One speaker's quite enough in this here matter before us.

Here's none of us that sha'n't something to say agin this pedler, and the doings of the grand scoundrel in and about these parts, for a matter going on now about three years.

Why, everybody knows him, big and little; and his reputation is so now, that the very boys take his name to frighten away the crows with.

Now, one person can jist as well make a plain statement as another.