"All right. Let it be as you say. Rather than the gentleman in front of me should perish on his chair, and other gentlemen should suffer any longer from the absence of their 'natural food,' I am willing to be joined with the rest, and, with you, to place myself under the dominion of Mr. Jacob Longsett's thumb."
"Hear, hear! Bravo!" There were observations expressive of satisfaction from different quarters; but Mr. Longsett, in particular, was enthusiastic in his approbation.
"Your words does you honour, captain!"
"You think so?--I'm sorry we differ."
The foreman rapped upon the table.
"Order, gentlemen, please. Then may I take it that, at present, we are finally agreed upon a verdict of not guilty?"
"Coupled," corrected Mr. Moss, "with an intimation to the effect that, considering the prisoner's age, we have been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."
"Precisely. Does any other gentleman wish to make an observation? Apparently not. Then may I also take it that we are ready to return into court?"
Acclamations in the affirmative rose from all sides. The foreman rang the hand-bell which was in front of him. The usher appeared.
* * * * *