THE YARE VALLEY 235 



people, found himself suddenly seized and marched down the 

 gangway into the presence of the recently-elected judge. The 

 old man highly disapproved of the proceedings, and vainly 

 endeavoured to gain the deck ; but at last, finding this an utter 

 impossibility, he stood calmly awaiting the next denouement. 



" The hatches were raised round the wherry's hold, so 

 that people on the bank could see perfectly all that went on ; 

 and when quiet had at last been obtained, the proceedings 

 began. 



"'Oyez! Oyez ! You of the name of Toper stand forth,' 

 said the judge, in grave tones. ' I deeply regret to see a man 

 of your years ' (he was seventy years old that very day) 'brought 

 before me upon so serious a charge. You have committed one 

 of the gravest offences it has ever been my lot to try. I shall 

 content myself with but few remarks upon the subject 

 at present, simply reading to you the charge upon 

 which you are brought before this honourable court, and 

 I have only to add that I feel certain a most impartial and 

 thorough investigation will take place. At the proper time 

 you will be allowed, on your own behalf, to make such remarks 

 as you may deem necessary ; in the meantime your case is in 

 able hands, and I am sure that the learned counsel for the 

 defence will conduct it in such manner as will reflect the 

 highest honour on on that member of the cruising fleet who 

 has at the last hour accepted the brief on your behalf. 

 Prisoner at the bar, you, of the name of " Toper," stand 

 charged with the terrible crime of not having saluted the 

 commodore's flag in the middle of last night as you came to 

 your moorings. What have you of the name of " Toper " to 

 say in answer to the charge? Are you guilty, or not 

 guilty ? ' 



" ' If you please, sur, I ain't fond of this 'ere 'umbug. 

 This wery arternoon someone calling hisself a gentleman 'as 

 made a three-decker o' my pipe, and burnt my toes with 

 mustard and kaianne pepper ! I calls it a shame and a insult 

 on grey hairs, I does, and that's all I 're got to say on the 

 matter.' 



