As the constable mumbled his observations, Dr. Poole came into the room. But he stood at the back and nobody noticed him. The justice said, looking at Uncle Jason and Janice:
“This seems to be a serious matter, I am sorry to say, Mr. Day. The case is aggravated because of the fact that the young lady did not stop the car when she was ordered to do so by the constable. Of course, we have to do with only this single case of speeding; the other occasions mentioned have no influence upon my mind. It is always the duty of the Court to stick to the proven facts.
“Now, does the young lady wish to speak in her own behalf? Does she wish to tell her side of the story? Does she deny any of the accusation—the evidence regarding yesterday’s happening, I mean?”
Before Uncle Jason got his mouth open to speak, Janice rose quickly, and said in a shaking voice:
“No, sir. What Elder Concannon and the constable have said is true. About yesterday, I mean. I was going fast, and I did refuse to stop.”
She sat down. The justice shook his head with gravity and pursed his lips. “It’s a very serious matter, young lady,” he said. “I wish that I might find some excuse for your action. It seems a particularly flagrant one because of your refusing to obey the command of our constable to stop. You know, we are a law-abiding people, and we appoint peace officers for the purpose of admonishing those who overstep the bounds of the law, rather than to punish law-breakers.
“In this event it seems that you aggravated the case by refusing to obey the constable. You offer no excuse for your action——”
“May I speak, Squire?” said Dr. Poole, suddenly, and came forward.
“Why—yes—certainly,” said the Justice of the Peace. “Always glad to hear you, Doctor. Is what you have to say pertinent to the case before the Court?”
“Very much so,” the physician said bruskly.