“Proceed regularly, Jem,” said Robinson. “Don't condemn the man unheard.”
“Oh, no! He shall be tried, and you shall be the judge.”
“I consent,” said Robinson, somewhat pompously.
Then arose a cry that made him reflect.
“Lynch! Lynch! a seat for Judge Lynch!” and in a moment a judgment-seat was built with cradles, and he was set on high, with six strange faces scowling round him for one of his own clique. He determined to back out of the whole thing.
“No, no!” cried he; “that is impossible. I cannot be a judge in such a serious matter.”
“Why not?” roared several voices.
“Why not? Because I am not a regular beak; because I have not got authority from the Crown.”
There was a howl of derision.
“We give you authority!”