At the end of the reading, all eyes were directed to the well-dressed and gentlemanly-looking Adolphus. He appeared to excite universal sympathy.
“What have you to say, young man?”
“Why, your worship, the charge is true; but”—
“Oh! never mind your buts. Will you ever appear in the same situation again?”
“Upon my soul I won’t; but”—
“There, then, that will do; I like your sincerity, but don’t swear. Pay one shilling, and you are discharged.”
“Will your worship allow me”—
“I have no time, sir. Next case.”
“But I must explain.”
“Next case. Hold your jaw!—this way!”—and the same individual who had jerked Mr. Adolphus Casay into the dock, rejerked him into the middle of the court. The shilling was paid, and, amid the laughter of the idlers at his anti-teetotal habits, he made the best of his way from the scene of his humiliation. As he rushed round the corner of the street, a peal of laughter struck upon his ears, and there, in full feather, as sober as ever, stood Mr. Brown Bunkem, enjoying the joke beyond all measure. Indignation took possession of Mr. Adolphus Casay’s bosom; he demanded to know the cause of this strange conduct, stating that his character was for ever compromised.