“‘I had forgot all about it,’ said the cobbler. ‘Can’t I be let off, sir?’
“‘From what?’ said the other man.
“‘Why, it’s rather an ugly job, some think,’ returned the sheriff. ‘He’s got to sit on the jury that is to try Simon Ruffin.’
“‘I must beg to be let off,’ said the cobbler, ‘I am not at all able to leave home.’
“‘You must tell the court, then,’ said he who was called the sheriff; ‘but it won’t do any good, I don’t believe. Everybody says the same thing, pretty much; they don’t any of ’em like the job; but you see, this is a very difficult and important case; a great many have been thrown out; it is hard to get just the right men, those that are altogether unobjectionable; and every one knows you, Mr. Peg.’
“‘But my family want me,’ said the cobbler; ’they can’t do without me at home. Can’t you let me go, Mr. Packum?’
“‘Not I,’ said the sheriff; ‘that’s no part of my privilege: you must ask the court, Mr. Peg.’
“‘To-morrow?’ said the cobbler.
“‘Yes, to-morrow; but I tell you beforehand it won’t do any good. What excuse can you make?’
“‘My family want my care,’ said the poor cobbler.