The man had told his story in such a naive manner that roars of laughter proceeded from the body of the court, in which the bench joined.
“Do you know this man? Your fellow-prisoner, I mean,” inquired the stipendiary.
“No, yer worship. I never set eyes upon him afore he sed ‘do you want anything of this?’”
“What have you to say to the charge?” said the examining magistrate, addressing the other prisoner.
“I’m very sorry, gentlemen,” returned the man. “What he’s sed is all true enough. We were having a mill, and the gentleman ’appened to be coming by, and that’s how it was. I’ve never been in trouble afore, gentlemen.”
“What are you? What’s your occupation?”
“I’m a groom, yer worship.”
“You are a pair of silly troublesome fellows, and ought to be heartily ashamed of your conduct. It seems hardly possible that two men, who are perfect strangers to one another, and who, moreover, had no quarrel or dispute to settle, should break the peace in the foolish and ridiculous manner you have done. You really deserve to be imprisoned. However, as the gentleman whom you have assaulted does not wish to press the charge, we shall discharge you upon the payment of a fine of ten shillings each.”
Upon this the men were removed.
It appeared afterwards that they were unable to pay the fines, only being able to master up twelve shillings between them.