“I desire to give evidence!” cried the disturber of the proceedings. “I wish to be sworn.”
With his clothes in tatters and earth-stained, his boots burst at the seams and almost falling to pieces, his hair long and tangled, his beard dirty and unkempt, thus, in a state of utter disreputableness, he unflinchingly faced the Court; and the crowd, forgetful of the prisoner, Judge, and jury, gave its whole attention to him.
Beckoning with his hand, the Judge said, “Bring this man forward. Place him where I can see him.”
The Police Sergeant led the would-be witness to the space between the dock and the jury-box.
“Now, my man,” said the Judge, “I imagine that you wish to say something. Do you wish to give evidence bearing on this case?”
“I do, Your Honour.”
“Then let me warn you that if what you have to say should prove frivolous or vexatious, you will be committed for disturbing the Court.”
“If what I have to say is irrelevant, I shall be willing to go to gaol.”
The Judge looked at this ragged man who used such long words, and said sternly, “You had better be careful, sir, exceedingly careful. What is your name?”
“Benjamin Tresco.”