THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

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JUSTICE FOR JUSTICE!

SCENE—­A Court of Justice.  Prisoner, a young man of eighteen, in the dock, weeping bitterly.  His Uncle stands before him, and occasionally offers him smelling salts.  General commiseration amongst the spectators, many of whom are ladies armed with opera-glasses.  Police Constable under cross-examination.

Counsel for the Defence. And so, Constable, you had actually the heart to read the warrant to the Prisoner?

Witness. I did, Sir, in the execution of my duty.

Coun. for the Def. (scornfully).  Duty! and to this he said nothing?

Wit. (in a low tone).  Nothing, Sir—­nothing!

Coun. for the Def. And I am not surprised!  He might well say nothing to such an announcement!  HE, a Gentleman by birth—­education—­everything—­to be accused of forgery!  It is too cruel!

Mr. Justice Punch (courteously but firmly).  I do not wish to control the management of your case, Mr. MCSLANGER, but the time for you to address the Jury has not yet arrived.

Coun. for Def. (submissive but sulky).  As your Lordship pleases.

    [Resumes his seat.

Usher (calling).  Admiral CUTTERMAN!

Admiral (in a low tone).  Here!

    [He leaves the Prisoner, first handing him the smelling
    salts, and enters the Witness Box.

Council for the Prosecution (after the Witness has been sworn).  I think you are here on subpoena served by the Treasury.

Witness (with a glance of sadness at the Dock).  Had I not been summoned to be present by those in authority, not the entreaties of magicians would have brought me here!

Coun. for the Pros. I take it you are an unwilling Witness?

Witness (with difficulty suppressing acute emotion).  A most, a very most unwilling Witness!

Coun. for the Def. (scornfully).  Unwilling!

Coun. for the Pros. (in a tone of remonstrance).  I really must beg my learned friend to refrain from disturbing the proceedings.  These constant interruptions are most annoying.

Coun. for the Def. (with force and violence).  I cannot sufficiently express my indignation—­

Mr. Justice Punch (sharply).  Then do not make the attempt.

Coun. for the Def. (surlily).  As your Lordship pleases. [Subsides.

Coun. for the Pros. But, in spite of being an unwilling Witness, you undoubtedly saw the Prisoner forge your name?

Witness (with his handkerchief to his eyes).  Alas!  I did!

    [A pause, during which everyone regains equanimity.