Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/27



SCENE I.—''The Tombs Police Court. Long high desk, with three seats, across back from to  on Platform. Railing in front. Railing around with opening  In front of railing, a bench''. and Gate in  of railing.

and another Justice seated behind high desk, with clerk on his  Justice is reading paper, with his feet upon desk,  Policeman at  and, 1, 2,   9-9-9 at gate,  Hard-looking set of men and women on benches,  and  Lawyer  is talking to , who is in crowd down.

(As the curtain rises noisy buzz is heard.)

Bow. , keep those people quiet. (9-9-9 handling people roughly.) Here—easy, officer; treat those poor people decently. Well, whom have you got there?

9-9-9. (Going to 1,, and dragging urchin within railing.) Pickpocket, your Honor. Caught in the act.

Bow. What's he got to say for himself? Nothing, eh? What's his name?

9-9-9. (Stooping down to boy as if asking him.) Says his name is.

Bow. You stand a poor chance, ! Take him away. ( consults with other Justice, as the boy is taken off )

Splinter. (To, who has his monkey and organ.) So you want to get out, eh? How much money have you got?

Raff. Be jabers! half a dollar in cents is all the money I'm worth in the world.

Splin. Give it to me. I thought you organ fellows were Italians.

Raff. Devil doubt it! Aint I got a monkey?

9-9-9. Here, you; come up here. (Takes inside the railing, )

Bow. Now, then; what's this, officer?

9-9-9. ( takes stand ) Complaint of disturbing the neighborhood.

Bow. What have you got to say for yourself?

Splin. If your Honor please, I appear for this man.

Bow. Well, what have you got to say for him?

Splin. Here is an unfortunate man, your Honor—a native of Sunny Italy. He came to our free and happy country, and being a votary of music, he bought an organ and a monkey, and tried to earn his bread. But the myrmidons of the law were upon him, and the Eagle of Liberty drooped his pinions as was hurried to his dungeon.

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