TOLD IN HIS OWN WAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4543, 15 November 1882, Page 4

TOLD IN HIS OWN WAY.

A ooloured man 1 amed Bob Tompkins was on trial before an Auctin justice for assault. Old Uncle Mose w>s one of the leading witnesses for the State. The main point was whether or no Tompkins had given any provocation to bring on the assault. Now, tell this jury all you know about the affair, Boid the justice. Kin I tell the jury all I know in my own way P asked old Mose. Yes, tell the jury all you know in your own Way. Old Mose turned solemnly to the expectant jurymen: Gem'mens ob de jury, you am de meanest' lookin' crowd eber I seed Stop! bawled the attorney for the State. Your Honour will incarcerate the witness for contempt of the Court! howled the attorney for the prisoner. The foreman of the jury got up and asked the oourfc to protect tho jury from insult. Witness, if you insult the jury again I shall certainly resort to extreme measures, said the justice. I'm not going to consult anybody ef you don't interfere wid me, aaid old Mose, sullenly. Proceed. Gem'mens ob de jury, you am de meanest looking orowd eber I Beed outside ob a gaol The prosecuting attorney jumped up and down. The foreman of the jury once more howled, Your Honour ! The constable laid his heavy hand on the collar of old Mose, whon the latter again calmly repeated to the jury— You am de meanest lookin' orowd eber I teed outside ob a gaol. Dem was de bery words de prisoner used when he fust oome inter de bar-room, an' whioh led to de row. The jury sat down quick. The attorneys doubled up like jsck-knives wil& suppressed laughter, His Honour smiled, The spectators roared, while Mose, with a surprised look of childish innocence, once more said to the cowed jurymen: You am do meanest lookin' crowd ebor I seed outside ob do gaol.