We so loudly and so earnestly proclaimed ourselves freemen, that we got the interested attention of that liberty-mouthing orator and his patriotic crowd, and they gathered about us and assumed a very determined attitude.
The orator said: "If, indeed, ye are freemen, ye have nought to fear--the God-given liberties of Britain are about ye for your shield and shelter! (Applause.) Ye shall soon see.

Bring forth your proofs." "What proofs ?" "Proof that ye are freemen." Ah--I remembered! I came to myself; I said nothing.

But the king stormed out: "Thou'rt insane, man.

It were better, and more in reason, that this thief and scoundrel here prove that we are _not_ freemen." You see, he knew his own laws just as other people so often know the laws; by words, not by effects.

They take a _meaning_, and get to be very vivid, when you come to apply them to yourself.
All hands shook their heads and looked disappointed; some turned away, no longer interested.