The annoyance had to be put a stop to.
An energetic magistrate took the matter in hand.

He issued a warning to the villagers, but his warning was unheeded.

Then he took more vigorous measures.

The very next case that occurred he had two men arrested, and charged with the offence.

They were probably innocent, but under the persuasion of the bamboo they were induced to acquiesce in the magistrate's opinion as to their guilt.