26 - Collection of execution; when a defence to subsequent action.

§ 26. Collection of execution; when a defence to subsequent action. It  is  a  defence  by  a  surety, against whom an action is brought upon an  official bond or undertaking, that he, or any other surety or  sureties,  have  been  or will be compelled, for want of sufficient property of the  public officer to pay, upon one or more judgments recovered against  him  or  them,  upon  the  same  bond  or  undertaking,  an aggregate amount,  exclusive of costs, officers' fees, and expenses, equal to the  sum  for  which  the defendant is liable, by reason of the bond or undertaking. It  is a partial defence, that the difference between the aggregate  amount,  so  paid,  or  to  be  paid, and the sum for which the defendant is thus  liable, is less than the amount of the plaintiff's demand.