CHAPTER XLV.
ROGER'S DEFENCE.
Then, while the jury were consulting--they would not leave the box, it seemed so clear--Roger broke the death-like silence; and he said: "Judge, I crave your worship's leave to speak: and hearken to me, countrymen.

Many evil things have I done in my time, both against God and my neighbour: I am ashamed, as well I may be, when I think on 'em: I have sworn, and drunk, and lied; I have murmured loudly--coveted wickedly--ay, and once I stole.

It was a little theft, I lost it on the spot, and never stole again: pray God, I never may.

Nevertheless, countrymen, and sinful though I be in the sight of Him who made us, according to man's judgment and man's innocency, I had lived among you all blameless, until I found that crock of gold.

I did find it, countrymen, as God is my witness, and, therefore, though a sinner, I appeal to Him: He knoweth that I found it in the sedge that skirts my garden, at the end of my own celery trench.