Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 March 1905 — A Considerate Judge. [ARTICLE]

A Considerate Judge.

Baron Martin, an English justice, whose native leniency and sensgbf fun often placed him at the mercy" of the very men he was trying, was once about to sentence an old offender charged with a petty theft. “Look," said the baron, with an assumption of severity, "I hardly know what to do, but you can tak’ six months.” “I can’t take that, my lord; it’s too much,” said the prisoner respectfully, but firmly. “I can’t take it. Your lordship sees I didn’t steal very much, after all.” The baron indulged in one of his low, chuckling laughs before replying. “Well, that's vera true; ye didn't steal much,” he said. “Well, then, ye can tak’ four months. Will that do—four months?” “Nay, my lord, but I can’t take that, neither,” said the prisoner patiently. “Then tak’ three.” “That’s nearer the mark, my lord,” the prisoner said approvingly. “But I’d rather you made it two, if you will be so kind.” “Vera well, then, tak’ two,” said the judge, with the air of one who is pleased to have done the right thing at last. “And, mind, don’t come again. If you do I’ll give ye—well, it all depends!”