“You had been drinking as well as begging last night, had you not?” inquired the magistrate.

“No, your Honor⁠—” protested Jurgis. “I⁠—”

“You had not had anything to drink?”

“Why, yes, your Honor, I had⁠—”

“What did you have?”

“I had a bottle of something⁠—I don’t know what it was⁠—something that burned⁠—”

There was again a laugh round the courtroom, stopping suddenly as the magistrate looked up and frowned. “Have you ever been arrested before?” he asked abruptly.

The question took Jurgis aback. “I⁠—I⁠—” he stammered.

“Tell me the truth, now!” commanded the other, sternly.

“Yes, your Honor,” said Jurgis.