"
At this point, it being now nearly half-past two, George came in, and
took a seat next to Mrs. Humdrum--between her and his mother--who of
course sat at the head of the table with the Mayor opposite to her. On
one side of the table sat the Professors, and on the other Dr. Downie,
Mrs. Humdrum, and George, who had heard the last few words that Hanky had
spoken.
CHAPTER XIX: A COUNCIL IS HELD AT THE MAYOR'S, IN THE COURSE OF WHICH
GEORGE TURNS THE TABLES ON THE PROFESSORS
"Now who," said Yram, "is this unfortunate creature to be, when he is
brought up to-morrow morning, on the charge of poaching?"
"It is not necessary," said Hanky severely, "that he should be brought up
for poaching. He is a foreign devil, and as such your son is bound to
fling him without trial into the Blue Pool. Why bring a smaller charge
when you must inflict the death penalty on a more serious one? I have
already told you that I shall feel it my duty to report the matter at
headquarters, unless I am satisfied that the death penalty has been
inflicted."
"Of course," said George, "we must all of us do our duty, and I shall not
shrink from mine--but I have arrested this man on a charge of poaching,
and must give my reasons; the case cannot be dropped, and it must be
heard in public. Am I, or am I not, to have the sworn depositions of
both you gentlemen to the fact that the prisoner is the man you saw with
quails in his possession? If you can depose to this he will be
convicted, for there can be no doubt he killed the birds himself.
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