“He is a vagabond, Mr. Jinks,” said the magistrate. “He is a vagabond on his own statement⁠—is he not, Mr. Jinks?”

“Certainly, Sir.”

“Then I’ll commit him⁠—I’ll commit him as such,” said Mr. Nupkins.

“This is a wery impartial country for justice,” said Sam. “There ain’t a magistrate goin’ as don’t commit himself twice as he commits other people.”

At this sally another special laughed, and then tried to look so supernaturally solemn, that the magistrate detected him immediately.