The Children's Portion by Various
page 59 of 211 (27%)
page 59 of 211 (27%)
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Rex?"
"Why, no! I think it'll be no end of fun," was the merry reply. "One of us could be the prisoner, and the other the barrister who defends him. I'd better be the barrister, because I know more about English law than Selwyn does. And the furniture'll have to be the other counsel and the gentlemen of the jury. Sit over there, Charlie, near that railing, and we'll make believe it's the bar. The only trouble is the barrister will have no gown and wig. Isn't it a pity?" "Let's take the table cover," suggested Selwyn, which was immediately acted upon. With their combined efforts, amid much laughter, it was draped about Rex's shoulders in a fashion very nearly approaching the graceful style of a North American Indian's blanket. A Russian bath towel, which they also found in the closet, was arranged on his head for a wig; then Selwyn was placed behind a chair which was supposed to be the prisoner's box, the judge took his place, and court opened. The ceremony differed from any previously known in judicial experience, and bursts of merry laughter disturbed the dignity of the learned judge and counsel, to say nothing of the prisoner. "The prisoner at the bar, your 'ludship,'" began the counsel, striving to steady his voice, "has stolen a--a--a--what shall I say you have stolen?" addressing Selwyn in a stage whisper. "Tom, Tom, the piper's son, Stole a pig, And away did run; The pig was eat, |
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