And he can leave town whenever he wants to, if the wages don't suit him!--and they can't put him in the pillory for it." "Perdition catch such an age!" shouted Dowley, in strong indignation.
"An age of dogs, an age barren of reverence for superiors and respect for authority! The pillory--" "Oh, wait, brother; say no good word for that institution.

I think the pillory ought to be abolished." "A most strange idea.

Why ?" "Well, I'll tell you why.

Is a man ever put in the pillory for a capital crime ?" "No." "Is it right to condemn a man to a slight punishment for a small offense and then kill him ?" There was no answer.

I had scored my first point! For the first time, the smith wasn't up and ready.