But as the usher didn’t find the person, he didn’t bring him; and, after a great commotion, all the people who had got up to look for the culprit, sat down again. The little judge turned to the witness as soon as his indignation would allow him to speak, and said⁠—

“Do you know who that was, sir?”

“I rayther suspect it was my father, my lord,” replied Sam.

“Do you see him here now?” said the judge.

“No, I don’t, my Lord,” replied Sam, staring right up into the lantern at the roof of the court.

“If you could have pointed him out, I would have committed him instantly,” said the judge. Sam bowed his acknowledgments and turned, with unimpaired cheerfulness of countenance, towards Serjeant Buzfuz.

“Now, Mr. Weller,” said Serjeant Buzfuz.