194 FOURTHENTIL EVENING,

Another. Yes, and I am sure [ recollect Peter hiot’s
having just such a one.

Another. So do I.

Judge. Master Riot, is this your top ?

Riot. IT don’t know, my lord; perhaps it may ve
mine; I have had a great many tops, and when I have
done with them I throw them away, and anybody
may pick them up that pleases. You see it has lost
its peg.

Judge. Very well, sir. Mrs. Careful, you may
retire. |

Widow Careful. And must I have no amends, my
lord ?

Judge. Have patience. Leave everything to the
Court. We shall do you all the justice in our power.

As soon as the widow was gone, the Judge arose
from his seat, and with much solemnity thus addressed
the assembly :—

“ Gentlemen,—This business, I confess, gives me
much dissatisfaction. A poor woman has been in-
sulted and injured in her property, apparently without
provocation; and though she has not been able to
convict the offender, it cannot be doubted that she, as
well as the world in general, will impute the crime to
some of our society. Though I am in my own mind
convinced that, in her passion, she charged an innocent
person, yet the circumstance of the top is a strong
suspicion, indeed almost a proof, that the perpetrator
of this unmanly mischief was one of our body. The
owner of the top has justly observed, that its having
been his property is no certain proof against him,
Since, therefore, in the present defect of evidence, the
whole school must remain burdened with the discredit
of this action, and share in the guilt of it, I think fit,
xn the first place, to decree, that restitution shall be
made to the sufferer out of the public chest; and next,
that a court of inquiry be instituted, fcr the express
purpose of searching thoroughly into this affair, with
power to examine all persons upon honeur, wuo ave