“Now, my boy, this is twice you have been before this court. Your master has left you to the mercy of the law, and given strict orders to the police in the event that you were caught a third time. Your crime is worse now, for you were caught in company with that white boy-probably on some errand of villany, prowling about the streets after drum-beat. I shall, in consideration of the facts here stated by the police, whose evidence I am bound to recognise, sentence you to nineteen paddles on the frame, and to be committed to jail, in accordance with your master's orders, there to await his further directions.
“Arraign the white prisoners according to the roll, Mr.—. Have you sent a message to the Captain about that boy?” inquired the mayor.
“No, yer honor; but I will send at once,” said the officer, stepping into the passage and calling an attendant.
The little fellow was arraigned first. He stood up before the mayor while the ruffianly policeman who arrested him preferred the charges and swore to them, adding as much to give coloring as possible. “Now, my man, let me hear what you have got to say for yourself. I have sent for your captain,” said the mayor, looking as if he really felt pity for the little fellow.
He commenced to tell his simple story, but soon became so convulsed with tears that he could proceed no further. “I only went to the jail to see Manuel, the steward, and I got lost, and begged the black man to show me the way”—said he, sobbing.
“Well, I have heard enough,” said the mayor, interrupting him. “You could not have been at the jail at that time o' night-impossible. It was after hours-contrary to rules-and only makes the matter worse for yourself. You can stand aside, and if the Captain comes before court is through, we will see further; if not, you must be committed as a vagrant. I'm afraid of you young strollers.”
The officer of the guard, as if the poor boy's feelings were not already sufficiently harassed, took him by the arm, and pushing him into a corner, said, “There, you young scamp, sit down. You'll get your deserts when you get to the jail.”
He sat down, but could not restrain his feelings. The presence of the Captain was his only hope. He saw the prisoners arraigned one by one, and join him as they were ordered for committal. He was handcuffed like the rest, and delivered to the constable. The reader can imagine the smile of gladness that welcomed the Captain's timely appearance. The latter's exhibition of feeling, and the simple exclamation of the child's joy, formed a striking picture of that fondness which a loving child manifests when meeting its parents after a long absence.
“Take the irons off that child,” said the colonel to the constable. “A man like you should not put such symbols of ignominy upon a youth like that.”
“I would do any thing to oblige you, colonel; but I cannot without orders from the mayor,” returned the man, very civilly.