IN A PREDICAMENT.

Patea Mail, 22 April 1882, Page 3

IN A PREDICAMENT.

A hardy hut cunning-looking son of toil, accused of stealing a pair of trousers, was discharged by the sitting magistrate, after a long and patient- investigat ionfiof his caso ? 6ri the’gVoflml .'that' Hie evidence brought forward against himwas insufficient to establish hie : culpability;’ 'He continued, however, to remain, in the dock after , his acquittal had: been formally pronounced. The lawyer who had .conducted his defence, observing that he. did not move, informed him that he was free to go about his business, if he had any. He shook his head sliglitly but did not budge. By this time, no other case being on hand, the Court was nearly empty. 1 Again addressing; him, his defender inquired withsonie irritation, why the deuce he did not go, “Step this way, a'moment, please*’! replied the steadfast one, “ and’ let mowhisper in your ear. I can’t go till all witnesses .for j t.he .:prosech tiqn hj a ve: j eft; the: Co uf t. ” “ And why, may ! ask ?” “ Because of the stolen, trousers, —don’t you understand ?”, .“.Most assuredly. I do riiot What about the trousers ?” Only this "—confidentially and in the lowest of whispers-/-” I’ve got ’em on. 1”