Well, he's a--magistrate, sir.
The MAYOR utters a profound grunt. CHANTREY smiles. There is a
silence. Then the MAYOR leans over to CHANTREY for a short
colloquy.
CHANTREY. Did you witness any particular violence other than a
resistance to arrest?
GUY. No, sir.
MAYOR. [With a gesture of dismissal] Very well, That seems to be the
evidence. Defendant John Builder--what do you say to all this?
BUILDER. [In a voice different from any we have heard from him] Say!
What business had he to touch me, a magistrate? I gave my daughter two
taps with a cane in a private house, for interfering with me for taking
my wife home--
MAYOR. That charge is not pressed, and we can't go into the
circumstances. What do you wish to say about your conduct towards
the constable?
BUILDER. [In his throat] Not a damned thing!
MAYOR. [Embarrassed] I--I didn't catch.
CHANTREY. Nothing--nothing, he said, Mr Mayor.
MAYOR. [Clearing his throat] I understand, then, that you do not wish to
offer any explanation?
BUILDER. I consider myself abominably treated, and I refuse to say
another word.
MAYOR. [Drily] Very good. Miss Maud Builder.
MAUD stands up.
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