SCENE—A small apartment in a Metropolitan Police Court. Presiding Magistrate and Clerk discovered.
Presiding Magistrate. There! You and I can sit here, and the rest can remain outside. And now I will take the night charges.
Voice from Passage (without). Please, your worship, as I was on duty last night, this man—
Builder (putting his head in). Sorry to trouble you, Sir, but we have got something to do to the flooring. Must ask you to be off.
P.M. (restraining his indignation). Very well; the Court is adjourned to the back garden. (Scene changes to that locality.) Come, this is better! Fresh air, in spite of the smuts! And now, Constable, go on with your evidence.
Police Constable. Well, your Worship, as I was on duty last night, this man—
Builder (entering). Very sorry to trouble you again, Sir, but there's something wrong with the drains. We think the pipes are out of order, and so we shall have to dig them up. So, if you don't mind moving—
P.M. (restraining his indignation). Very well; the Court is adjourned to the coal-cellar. (Scene changes to that locality.) Come, this is not so bad! Very cool, if rather damp. And now, Constable, go on with your evidence.
Police Constable. Well, your Worship, as I was on duty last night, this man—
Coalheaver (speaking through hole in roof). Sorry to disturb you, gents, but as me and my mates are going to put some coals in this here cellar, I thought it good manners to tell you all to clear out.