The Sheriff [rising solemnly] Silence there.  Wait a bit.  I take it that if the Sheriff is satisfied and the owner of the horse is satisfied, theres no more to be said.  I have had to remark on former occasions that what is wrong with this court is that theres too many Sheriffs in it.  To-day there is going to be one, and only one; and that one is your humble servant.  I call that to the notice of the Foreman of the jury, and also to the notice of young Strapper.  I am also the owner of the horse.  Does any man say that I am not? [Silence].  Very well, then.  In my opinion, to commandeer a horse for the purpose of getting a dying child to a doctor is not stealing, provided, as in the present case, that the horse is returned safe and sound.  I rule that there has been no theft.

Nestor.  That aint the law.

The Sheriff.  I fine you a dollar for contempt of court, and will collect it myself off you as you leave the building.  And as the boys have been disappointed of their natural sport, I shall give them a little fun by standing outside the door and taking up a collection for the bereaved mother of the late kid that shewed up Blanco Posnet.

The boys.  A collection.  Oh, I say!  Calls that sport?  Is this a mothers’ meeting?  Well, I’ll be jiggered!  Where does the sport come in?

The Sheriff [continuing] The sport comes in, my friends, not so much in contributing as in seeing others fork out.  Thus each contributes to the general enjoyment; and all contribute to his.  Blanco Posnet:  you go free under the protection of the Vigilance Committee for just long enough to get you out of this town, which is not a healthy place for you.  As you are in a hurry, I’ll sell you the horse at a reasonable figure.  Now, boys, let nobody go out till I get to the door.  The court is adjourned. [He goes out].

Strapper [to Feemy, as he goes to the door] I’m done with you.  Do you hear?  I’m done with you. [He goes out sulkily].

Feemy [calling after him] As if I cared about a stingy brat like you!  Go back to the freckled maypole you left for me:  you’ve been fretting for her long enough.

The foreman [To Blanco, on his way out] A man like you makes me sick.  Just sick. [Blanco makes no sign.  The Foreman spits disgustedly, and follows Strapper out.  The Jurymen leave the box, except Nestor, who collapses in a drunken sleep].

Blanco [Suddenly rushing from the bar to the table and jumping up on it] Boys, I’m going to preach you a sermon on the moral of this day’s proceedings.

The boys [crowding round him] Yes:  lets have a sermon.  Go ahead, Blanco.  Silence for Elder Blanco.  Tune the organ.  Let us pray.

Nestor [staggering out of his sleep] Never hold up your head in this town again.  I’m done with you.

Blanco [pointing inexorably to Nestor] Drunk in church.  Disturbing the preacher.  Hand him out.