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to fine you one hundred dollars and costs, sir, for taking up the valuable time of this court with this rigmarole."

The old man bowed his head and wept.

"But," continued the judge, after a moment's pause, "in consideration of the fact that you were thoughtful enough of the feelings of this honorable body to run your string back to Adam and quit, I will suspend judgment. You are free, sir; but if ever again you are brought here on such an offense, this sentence shall be carried into execution without further trial, even if you should carry your procession of incidents as far back as the original protoplasm."

"Thanks, your honor," returned the venerable Mr. Scheherazade, drying his eyes upon his sleeve, "thanks! Hereafter I shall steal no more; but shall confine myself to the more honorable occupation of lying."