The Court laughed tremulously.
“The results of my observation do not end there. We are told that the collision occurred at ten-twenty-five. As luck will have it, I saw the defendant leave. I did not notice the time, for there was, of course, no reason at all why I should: but, recalling my own movements, I am satisfied that he finally left that restaurant not earlier than ten-fifteen. He was then unquestionably sober.
“The opinion I have formed is that in no circumstances is it possible for a man who is sober at ten-fifteen, who for the last two hours has touched no alcohol, to be drunk at ten-twenty-five.”
That upon the evening in question the learned Magistrate’s watch was ten minutes fast was not his fault. The man was scrupulous.
The case for the prosecution died there and then.
The prosecution was withdrawn, apologies were offered, the defendant left the dock, applause was suppressed.
Mr. Quaritch knew his job.
He rose to his feet.
“If, sir, I may complete the solution of this matter by disclosing what happened in the ten minutes of time during which my client was under observation neither by the judiciary nor the executive, I must confess that he seized the opportunity to consume a small glass of beer.”
The Court roared its merriment.