First Defendant. That’s all rot.
Advocate. I beg permission to put a question to the witness.
Justice. I told you—afterwards.
Witness. Well, then they begins smearin’ o’ mustard all over me. One gent as was in the coffee-room, he up an’ says, “This is dis—graceful,” says ‘e; and they told ’im, “We’ve paid our money down.”
Justice. Is this a true account?
First Defendant. Maybe; I was screwed pretty tight; I don’t quite recollect. But, even if we did smear him a bit, what’s there to make such a fuss about? It wasn’t turpentine we smeared him with—and then, besides, we paid our money down for it. Well, it’s all one to me; I’ll say “guilty,” if you like.
Justice (to Second Defendant). And you?
Second Defendant. We keep to our former statement.
Advocate. May I speak now?
Justice. You may.