550 MAGISTERIAL MISTAKE. 



" Didn't ax his name, 'pon my say-so, your worship." 



fc Then you're a fool, fellow ; shew a light," quoth the parson. 



<e A dead fool, fellow," exclaimed the squire, " show a light, and 

 get out our horses." 



I followed the worthies to the inn yard : it was a perfect Babel. 

 Dozens of owners were inquiring for their steeds ; many were pro- 

 testing against being palmed off with wrong saddles ; and though most 

 of the parties were drunk, nobody seemed to be happy and contented. 

 The uproar was tremendous. 



Foreseeing that but little felicity was to be found, under existing 

 circumstances, at the Roebuck, I hurried back to the bar, paid my 

 bill, and obtained an order on the ostler for my horse. On presenting 

 him with the important document and sixpence, he begged that, as he 

 was very busy, I would take the trouble to help myself. I did so, 

 and was soon mounted. 



Scarcely had I progressed one quarter of a mile, when I found 

 that the two magistrates were just before me. It was so dark, that I 

 could barely see them, but not to overhear their conversation was 

 impossible. 



" Depend upon it, my dear sir, and I speak ex cathedra," said the 

 clerical functionary, " although, according to your limited under- 

 standing, you are now travelling in a direct line from Faggot-Hall, 

 you are actually progressing, by the shortest possible cut, considering 

 the state of roads, towards it. By riding six miles with me, 

 going through Gallows-Acre Lane, and taking your course across 

 the common, close along the line of gibbets, you will save at least the 

 full third of a mile !" 



t( D n the gibbets, Doctor," ejaculated Faggott, " I don't half 

 like them : I always whip off the hounds when they plunge into the 

 Gibbet Gorse ; and the foxes know it, for I believe there's more 

 vermin in that cover than in any other in the county side. It was 

 my misfortune to be on the grand jury when Jerry Holmes was 

 tried ; we returned a true bill ; and as you know, we've since been 

 satisfied that the poor wretch was innocent. How the devil do you 

 think I can pass his hollow bones rattling in a north wind at mid- 

 night ?" 



" These things, my dear sir, must happen we can't always be 

 right : better ten innocent vagabonds be punished, than one guilty 

 rogue escape. As to Jerry Holmes' gibbet no doubt can exist but 

 that all parties concerned committed a legal murder ; still " 



" Confound this horse, Dr. Fogg ; I never knew him behave so 

 badly before." 



" Well, I must admit Mr. Faggott," said Dr. Fogg, " that my 

 steed seems to be drunk too; he jerks, he tittups, he's all upon the 

 jolt; I can't get him to canter a yard." 



" And mine won't trot a foot." 



" Good God ! Mr. Faggott !" 



" What's the matter, Dr. Fogg ?" 



(f I've got some other gentleman's horse !" 



" Nonsense !" 



" I have indeed ! what in the name of heaven is to be done ?" 



