This important business having been transacted, Mr.
Weller the elder proceeded to open that, on which he had summoned his son.
'The first matter relates to your governor, Sammy,' said Mr.Weller.
'He's a-goin' to be tried to-morrow, ain't he ?' 'The trial's a-comin' on,' replied Sam.
'Vell,' said Mr.Weller, 'Now I s'pose he'll want to call some witnesses to speak to his character, or p'rhaps to prove a alleybi.

I've been a-turnin' the bis'ness over in my mind, and he may make his-self easy, Sammy.

I've got some friends as'll do either for him, but my adwice 'ud be this here--never mind the character, and stick to the alleybi.
Nothing like a alleybi, Sammy, nothing.' Mr.Weller looked very profound as he delivered this legal opinion; and burying his nose in his tumbler, winked over the top thereof, at his astonished son.

'Why, what do you mean ?' said Sam; 'you don't think he's a-goin' to be tried at the Old Bailey, do you ?' 'That ain't no part of the present consideration, Sammy,' replied Mr.
Weller.

'Verever he's a-goin' to be tried, my boy, a alleybi's the thing to get him off.