“Come, come, Sir,” said the magistrate sternly, “don’t let me see any of this levity here. It is very unbecoming, and I can assure you that you have very little to smile at. Was the account you gave me just now strictly true? Now be careful, sir!”

“Your Wash-up,” stammered Grummer, “I⁠—”

“Oh, you are confused, are you?” said the magistrate. “ Mr. Jinks, you observe this confusion?”

“Certainly, Sir,” replied Jinks.

“Now,” said the magistrate, “repeat your statement, Grummer, and again I warn you to be careful. Mr. Jinks, take his words down.”