They stopped at once. Ranulf could not help casting a wistful eye at his bit of lozenge, but getting the better of himself, he threw it down, and the others did the same.
“That’s right,” said the lady; “so now you will not get a Victoria Lawsenj box on the ear, like the other stupid people tumbling about there: here are some nice clean sweetmeats for you.” So saying, she handed each of the boys a lovely little box, made of chased gold and blue enamel, and marked out in diamonds on the lid, “Genuine—our own manufacture.” A prompt “Thank you” came from each judge’s desk; and on the boxes being opened, the boys found in them, not the common lozenges that were flying about the floor, but most lovely bonbons, which tasted more delicious than any they ever had before.
Meanwhile the scene in court baffled description. Everybody was cramming himself with lozenges, which, strangely enough, set them coughing furiously.
PREPARE TO CHARGE.
“Don’t you think we had better get out of this Babel?” said the lady.
“I think so,” said Ranulf; “but how can we do it?”
“Oh, well,” said she, “I will manage it; I will even charge the jury, if necessary.”
So saying, she took little Ranulf up in her arms, and telling the other boys to keep close behind her, turned and said to the jury—
“Now it is quite evident you have agreed, by the way you are over-eating yourselves, so you can return your verdict.”
“No,” said the foreman, “don’t hurry us; we are not ready.”