“O, committed for trial, was he?” exclaimed the Don.
“Sure wur ur,” said Mr. Bumpkin triumphantly—“guilty!”
Now I perceived that the wily Mr. O’Rapley did not recommend Bumpkin to obtain the services of a solicitor to conduct his prosecution in this case; and I apprehend for this reason, that the said solicitor being conscientious, would unquestionably recommend and insist that Mr. Bumpkin’s evidence at the Old Bailey should be supported by that of the Don himself. So Mr. Bumpkin was left to the tender mercies of the Public Prosecutor or a criminal tout, or the most inexperienced of “soup” instructed counsel, as the case might be, but of which matters at present I have no knowledge as I have no dreams of the future.
Then Mr. Bumpkin said, “By thy leave, worthy Mr. O’Rapley, I will just see what my head witness be about: he be a sharp lad enow, but wants a dale o’ lookin arter.”
CHAPTER XXIV.
Don O’Rapley expresses his views of the policy of the legislature in not permitting dominoes to be played in public houses.
When Mr. Bumpkin returned to the cosy parlour, his face was red and his teeth were set. He was so much agitated indeed, that instead of addressing Mr. O’Rapley, he spoke to Mrs. Oldtimes, as though in her female tenderness he might find a more sincere and sympathetic adviser.
Mr. Bumpkin was never what you would call an eloquent or fluent speaker: his Somersetshire brogue was at times difficult of comprehension. He certainly was not fluent when he said to Mrs. Oldtimes: “Why thic—there—damn un Mrs. Oldtimes if he beant gwine and never zeed zich a thing in my bornd days—”
“Why what ever in the name of goodness gracious is the matter?” asked the landlady.
“Why thic there head witness o’ mine: a silly-brained—Gor forgive me that iver I should spake so o’ un, for he wor allays a good chap; and I do b’leeve he’ve got moore sense than do any thing o’ that kind.”