Enter the LAWYER, ALEXANDERSSON, ALMA JONSSON, the MILKMAID, the FARM HAND.
SHERIFF, [Calls out] The servant girl Alma Jonsson and the farmer Alexandersson.
LAWYER. I wish to present my power of attorney for the complainant.
JUDGE. [Examines the submitted document; then] The servant girl Alma Jonsson has had writ served on her former master, Alexandersson, bringing charges under Chapter Sixteen, Section Eight, of the Criminal Code, providing for imprisonment of not more than six months, or a fine, because Alexandersson has called her a thief without supporting his accusation or making legal charges. What have you to say, Alexandersson?
ALEXANDERSSON. I called her a thief because I caught her stealing.
JUDGE. Have you witnesses to her theft?
ALEXANDERSSON. No, as luck would have it, there's no witnesses, for I mostly go about by myself.
JUDGE. Why did you not make a charge against her?
ALEXANDERSSON. Well, I never go to court. And then it isn't the usage among us masters to prosecute household thefts, partly because there are so many of 'em, and partly because we don't like to spoil a servant's whole future.