" The Chief Justice said that
that seemed to be the proper time. But Mr. Bacon sat down
in high dudgeon, without further remark.
He was the kindliest of men, both to man and beast. I once
was at a country tavern where Bacon and I were to dine. It
was about the time of the session of the Supreme Court. I
was sitting on the veranda of the hotel waiting for dinner
to be ready, in the summer afternoon. Mr. Bacon took a little
walk, and as he came along and was passing the porch, a puppy
ran after him, came up behind, and seized his pantaloons in
his teeth, making quite a rent in them. Bacon looked round
and saw the mischief, and shook his finger at the poor dog.
I am sure he had no idea that anybody of the human species
was within hearing. The animal crouched down in great terror,
expecting a beating. Mr. Bacon paused a moment with his
uplifted finger, and addressed the cur. "Why do you try to
bite me? Why do you tear my pantaloons? Do you think I can
go through the Supreme Court without pantaloons?" With that
he left the poor dog to the reproaches of his own conscience
and took no further notice of the transaction.
Pages:
1389
1390
1391
1392
1393
1394
1395
1396
1397
1398
1399
1400
1401
1402
1403
1404
1405
1406
1407
1408
1409
1410
1411
1412
1413