156 The Confessions of a 'Poacher. 



that he had hit him on the head with 

 his stick, and must have wounded him 

 severely. He was also careful to explain that 

 he had done this in " self defence." I then 

 pointed out to the " bench " that it was no 

 longer a matter of opinion ; that I claimed to 

 have my head examined, and asked that the 

 Police Superintendent, who was conducting 

 the case, should settle the point. 



But my assumption of an air of injured in- 

 nocence had already done its work, and the 

 presiding Magistrate said there was no evi- 

 dence against me ; that the case as against me 

 was dismissed. 



I had hard work to get out of the box 

 without smiling, for even then the pain in my 

 head was acute, and I was not right for weeks 

 after. I knew, however, that my wound was a 

 dangerous possession, and close attention to 

 my thick, soft hair, enabled me to hide it, al- 

 ways providing that it was not too closely 

 examined. My companion was less fortunate, 

 and his share of the proceedings, poor fellow, 

 was " two months." 



