“‘The counsel for the prosecution,’” said M. Goefle, “‘is not arguing at present.’ I am playing the judge, now.”
“Very good; but use another voice.”
“I don’t know how.”
“Yes, indeed; you have one hand free. Pinch your nose.”
“Good!” said M. Goefle, with a strong twang. “‘The counsel for the prosecution will speak in his own turn.’”
“Bravo! ‘I insist on speaking this moment! I demand the right of confounding the odious sophistry of the defence!—’”
“‘Odious sophistry!’”
“Capital! oh, capital! In an angry tone! Now I reply: ‘Orator without principle! I hand you over to the ban of Public Opinion!’ Give me a slap, M. Goefle.”
“What!—give you a slap?”
“Certainly, my lawyer, I mean; fair in the face, and let it be a loud one. The public always laughs at that sound. Hold tight with your fingers; I’m going to pull your cap off. Now we collar each other. Bravo! Pull the marionette off my fingers with yours, and throw it over into the audience. The children run after it, pick it up, examine it with admiration, and throw it back into the theatre. Take care and have it fall on its head; the public will almost burst with laughter. God only knows what for, but they always do it. Abuse and blows are a delightful spectacle to the crowd; and under cover of the laughter, your personage marches off the stage with a triumphant air.”