The King of the School, or, Who will Win? — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

110 THE KING OF THE SCHOOL: OR. WHO WILL WIN? ae a De ee to leave the justice-room, he was con- fronted by Professor Moeritz. “Not zo vast, mein goot vriend. Mister Boliceman, I sharges this man mit knocking me down, und stealing mein silber,” said the German. Mr. Policeman, who stood close by, at once collared the gallant captain. .“ The case had better be heard at once, as the prisoner has already passed a night-in the lock-up,” said the magis- trate. ‘‘ Let the prisoner be put in the dock.” A very few seconds sufficed to place him in that ill-named, railed-off space, and Professor Moeritz was then sworn. “Unt I vants you,” said the professor, barring the progress of: one of Robin- son’s bull-necked, beetle-browed com- panions, who was trying to slink out un- observed. “Wot for? Git out of the way.” *Youwas mit dat big tief last night.” “arrest you, also,” said the police- man, interfering, and taking beette- brows by the collar. “In with you.” _ Frank, who was now only a spectator, looked on with a considerable degree of pleasure. He was able now to detect the local reporter, for that gentleman, who had hitherto kept his note-book in his pocket by editorial command, began to take a great interest in the proceedings of the court. Montague Charles Robinson, captain on half-pay (regiment unknown), and William Smith alias Carrotty Bill, were then charged with assault and robbery. Professor Moeritz being sworn, stated the circumstances under which he was robbed as already related, and made oath that the prisoners were his assail- ants, as well as two or three other per~ sons not in custody. Then came the inspector of police, who stated that when the prisoners were searched previous to being locked up, a purse was found upon Smith, and three German coins upon Robinson. These articles Professor Moeritz swore were his property. . “‘How can you swear to coins ?” asked Robinson. ‘ Because I did know dere vas tiefs, and I did mark ’em.’ Captain Robinson’s face looked con- siderably longer, and the magistrate, into whose hands the coin had been given, requested the professor to describe and point out the mark he alluded to, which Moeritz immediately did. “‘Theevidence seems very conclusive,” observed the magistrate. ‘“ Have you anything to say in your defence, Smith °” ‘“¢ No, nothink, only as how I vos put up to it by this ere cove; Captain Robinson he calls hisself. He’s about az much a captain as my old moke.” Robinson looked as though he could have killed his friend. “Tt is false !” he shouted. “Surely your worship won't take any notice of the ravings of that drunken fool ?” “TI shall send you both for trial at the next assizes. Remove them, police- man.’ “7 can find bail, sir.’ “T should not vecept the security of the best householder in Ballsbury, which I fancy you would find some difficulty in procuring.” Two stalwart constables immediately came and walked the prisoners off, after which Frank and his companions re- turned to Lexicon College. EO MAICLOOC SS EO mn