Jurgis listened while the man entered the witness chair, took the oath, and told his story. The wife of the prisoner had been employed in a department near him, and had been discharged for impudence to him. Half an hour later he had been violently attacked, knocked down, and almost choked to death. He had brought witnesses—
“They will probably not be necessary,” observed the judge and he turned to Jurgis. “You admit attacking the plaintiff?” he asked.
“Him?” inquired Jurgis, pointing at the boss.
“Yes,” said the judge. “I hit him, sir,” said Jurgis.
“Say ‘your Honor,’” said the officer, pinching his arm hard.
“Your Honor,” said Jurgis, obediently.
“You tried to choke him?”
“Yes, sir, your Honor.”
“Ever been arrested before?”
“No, sir, your Honor.”