"The words of a man who now resides in a nation which upholds slavery… in a state famed for its agriculture, and naval stores… all of which require Negro slave labour. In a town where such views are anathema, where, once the contents of Colonel Cashman's affidavit are known to his fellow citizens, he very likely faces social and financial ruin, sirs. Consider what courage that took for him to testify on Captain Lewrie's behalf," MacDougall posed to the jury.

"Milud," Sir George Norman said with a piteous smirk as he rose to his feet, "it would seem that my learned colleague has just admitted his principal's guilt!"

"To what specific crime, my lord, does Sir George refer?" Mr. MacDougall quickly retorted, plucking the front of his black court robe. "Does he maintain that Captain Lewrie instigated and premeditated the crime of Robbery, in the face of Leftenant-Colonel Cashman's confessing affidavit? Or does he wish to now reduce his accusations to Conversion of Property? The waters must be un-muddied upon this head for the clarification of the jury, my lord. Let us be specific."

Has he lost his fuckin' mind? Lewrie could but goggle quietly.

Lord Justice Oglethorpe scratched his scalp under his bag-wig with a pencil, scowled, pursed his lips, then impatiently waved both barristers forward to the front of his bench, where ensued a lengthy, hushed conversation; one that must have pleased MacDougall right down to the ground, for, when Oglethorpe shooed them away, he had a bright smile plastered on his phyz, whilst Sir George Norman was shaking his head.

"Ahem… upon reception of the confession from Mister Christopher Cashman, counsel for the plaintiffs has amended his accusations to a charge of illegal Conversion. Silence! Silence in the…!" He had to cry and gavel for order as the spectators raised yet another great cheer.