Page:The Princess of Cozytown.pdf/62

 "I arrest you in the name of the !" boomed the first guard striding in and placing a heavy hand on Jerry's shoulder. "Do you fetch those three other rascals!" he called over his shoulder, at which the five remaining guards disappeared, returning presently with Crooks, Stitchem and Rowley, and followed by the blacksmith waving his hammer menacingly, and by a crowd of Jerry's friends and neighbors. And now the first guard proceeded to read a long paper accusing Jerry of all crimes in general and of being a —in particular, of stealing one hundred and seven fine garments, which were to be immediately returned—and hailing one Jerry Jan before the Grand Court of the Kingdom for trial.

Now according to the ancient laws of Nevermindwhere all prisoners were tried in the great stone court before the palace in the presence of all the people. By the time Jerry and the three other tailors had been thrust upon the little platform before the King, the Queen, the Princess and all the other high functionaires [sic], the court was jammed. People stood upon the walls and climbed the trees in the garden beyond, for the story of the new tailor's misfortune had spread far and near. ! went the hammer of the Lord High Accusationer and up he rose, pointing his skinny finger at Jerry. "Whereas," he wheezed, addressing the crowds, "one Jerry Jan has perpetrated villainy in every form, including insolence, arrogance, anarchy and robbery, he has been hailed before this court to answer for his crimes!"

My Lord of Toppertush who sat next to the King rubbed his hands and chuckled in anticipation, the Princess leaned forward to get a better view of that obstinate tailor, and several titters went up from the court as Jerry, none too gently, was shoved forward by the guards.

"When he is properly humbled I will visit him in prison," murmured the Princess to herself. "When she is properly humbled I will marry her," resolved Jerry with a sidelong glance her direction. —"What have you to say for