What is the definition of councillor?

According to the police officer, the car accident could not have been avoided.

This thinning would materially change the sound of the drum, evidence that although it might continue to be used for its original purpose of music-making or calling people to arms, it would now do so with a different voice. a musical instrument had become a trophy, and the new carvings were in fact branding, a statement of the north’s political dominance over central africa and of allegiance to islam. the drum had come to khartoum at a critical moment in sudanese history. in an audio version, stressing the word "branding" would do what for the listener? emphasize the word's importance and the idea that followsadd emphasis to the following sentencesignal that something important has just been repeatedadd emphasis to the preceding sentence

What is implied in this sentence from mark twain's "the ? 1,000,000 bank-note"? i was puzzled, and wanted to discuss the matter a little further, but they didn't; so i took my leave, feeling hurt and insulted to be made the butt of what was apparently some kind of a practical joke, and yet obliged to put up with it, not being in circumstances to resent affronts from rich and strong folk.