"For some time past, your worship," he said, "we have been aware of the existence of what is called 'The Burglars' Club,' composed of noblemen and gentlemen such as your worship sees before you. Our information was derived in the first instance from a discharged servant of one of the members. In revenge for his dismissal he told us of proceedings he had witnessed at his master's house on one occasion, when he was concealed behind a curtain in the room.
"He furnished us with a list of members, and ever since then we have had them under observation. These gentlemen amuse themselves by stealing articles of great value or of public interest. We know for a fact that at one time and another they have obtained unlawful possession of the Koh-i-noor Diamond, the Mace of the House of Commons, Lord Illingworth's Black Pearl, an ounce of Radium from Professor Blyth's laboratory, and even the Great Seal of the United Kingdom itself."
"Good old burglars!" called out an admiring listener at the back of the court.
"Silence!" shouted an indignant usher.
"We have waited, your worship, until we could interfere successfully, knowing that it was only a question of time for us to do so. I have twice been called in on the occasion of a burglary committed by a member of the club, and in each case—of course against my wishes—no charge was made. In this particular instance the member walked straight into the trap."
This closed the case for the Crown, and counsel proceeded to urge the seriousness of the offence, and the necessity for a severe sentence, not only as a just punishment, but as an example.
Counsel for the prisoners now rose. He was the famous Mr. Spiller, who had earned the well-deserved sobriquet of "The prisoner's pal."
He stood up with a twinkle in his eye, and an air of confidence that gladdened the hearts of the ladies on the bench.
"Your worship," he began, "I shall not detain the Court more than a very few minutes, for I admit all the evidence that has been tendered. The last witness gave a list of articles illegally taken by my clients. If he wishes, I will add to the list another half-dozen instances of equal importance."