Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/210

194 who "had once gone to Bombay." What better counsel for a good cause?

On the day fixed for hearing the court was crowded by spectators, some of them Parsi lads on a holiday tour. The Magistrate came first, looking very mild and anxious. Then came the soldier, looking very cool and careless. Third came the plaintiff's pleader, looking very warm and important, and with the pleader's robe and high-heeled creaking boots on. Last of all came the plaintiff, the barber's mother-in-law, with a crowd at her back. She seemed to have rheumatism, paralysis, and many other dreadful ailments besides.

"From the tears she shed in the streets," explained the jocular Musulman constable, " one might think we had rain last night; at any rate, there will be no need for watering the streets this noon!"

A minute or two after, the proceedings were formally opened. I shall only transcribe here the examination of the undefended soldier by the barber's counsel.

(with easy familiarity, and intending to procure confession for mere asking).—Well, my man, why did you do this thing?