Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/232

 magistrate. "Who gave particulars as to the child's apparent age?"

"The prisoner, I b'lieve, yer wushup, an' two of her neighbours that identified the children, and gave the names by which they was known."

"Let me look at it."

Augusta was held up for the magistrate's nearer inspection.

"Well," said he, hesitatingly, "I'm not much of a judge of babies, but that child does seem to me to be quite three years old. When was she born?" he asked Prudence.

"Fifty-three years ago—on the 21st of April, 18—."

Another roar of laughter greeted this reply, but the magistrate was annoyed. The woman was too ridiculous, for it was easy to see she was not as mad as she pretended.

"Madam," he said severely, "you must be aware of the impression I have formed with regard to the ridiculous story you have thought fit to tell, and I would warn you, in your own interests, to remember that it is advisable to speak the truth."

At any other time, his stern tone and frowning brows would have frightened poor