Troubled Waters

45

"Not 'til now, no," Lewrie sarcastically replied. And, why that is, God only knows, the things I've got up to! he thought a tick later. "Well, at least I'll have no fear of scathing questions from whoever it is the Beaumans hire as prosecutor," he concluded with a resigned sigh.

"Uhm… beg pardon again, Captain Lewrie, but…," MacDougall said, looking a bit sorry for his new client. "The accused only speaks upon his own behalf after the verdict is announced… most usually in King's Bench cases to plead for mercy… transportation to Australia, 'stead of the New Market gallows."

"What?" Lewrie gawped in alarm. "I just sit in the dock, while everybody else gets t'lie their arses off? Stay mum as a tailor's dummy, while…?"

"That, ah… is the custom, Captain Lewrie," MacDougall sadly informed him. "Ah, look at the time!" he cried as a mantel clock atop the fireplace chimed the hours. "I thought I was beginning to feel a tad peckish. Oh, there's an hundred, a thousand, more matters which I must ask of you in the short time allotted us, but I do believe we may repair to the most excellent chop-house… quite nearby… and take our mid-day meal. I took the liberty of reserving private rooms where we, and Mister Sadler, who shall prove to be instrumental to the preparation of our presentation, good fellow, may dine. I swear, all you have related to me, and what stir such has caused in my wits, has made me famished. Shall we adjourn for the nonce, Captain Lewrie?"

Sadler and his tape-worm, Lewrie morosely thought as he gathered up hat and sword in the outer parlour; and you, MacDougall, a dab-hand trencherman yourself. Still a growin lad, in need o' stuffin', hey? Good thing I brought a full purse t'London, 'cause I doubt any attorney treats, or even go shares! Can't speak for myself… my God, but I'm bloody doomed!