nd your manners. But look here! (_pointing to_ NUPKINS).

_J. F_. Why, what next? There's no mistaking him, it's my old
acquaintance Mr. Justice Nupkins. Why you seem down on your luck,
neighbour. What can I do to help you?

[NUPKINS _moans_.

_W. J_. (_winking at_ FREEMAN). You've got to try him, Jack.

_J. F_. Why, what has he been doing? (_Aside_, I say, old fellow, what
game are you up to now?)

_W. J_. Doing? why nothing. That's just it; something must be done with
him. He must come before the council: but I'm afraid he's not of much
use to anyone. (_Aside_, I say, Jack, he is a mere jelly of fear: thinks
that we are going to kill him and eat him, I believe. I must carry it on
a little longer; don't spoil all my fun.)

_J. F_. (_Aside_, _to_ W. J.) Well, certainly he deserves it, but take
care that he doesn't die of fear on your hands, Bill. (_Aloud_) Well,
the council will meet in a minute or two, and then we will take his case.

_C. N_. (_to_ J. F.) Oh, sir, sir, spare me and don't judge me! I'll be
servant to you all my life!

_W. J_. Why Nupkins, what's this? You promised to be a servant to _me_!

_J. F_. Citizen Nupkins, I really must say thank-you for nothing. What
the deuce could I do with a servant? Now don't you trouble yourself; the
council will see to your affairs. And in good time here come the
neighbours.

[_Enter the Neighbours_, ROBERT PINCH, MART PINCH, _and others_.

_W. J_. Now for it, Nupkins! Bear your own troubles as well as you used
to bear other peoples', and then you'll do very well.

JACK FREEMAN _takes his seat on the ground under the tree, the others
standing and sitting about him_: WILLIAM JOYCE _makes a show of guarding_
NUPKINS, _at which the neighbours look rather astonished; but he nods and
winks to them, and they see there is some joke toward and say nothing_.

_J. F_. Well, neighbours, what's the business to-day?

_1st Neighbour_. I have to report that three loads of that oak for the
hall-roof have come to hand; it's well-seasoned good timber, so there
need be no hitch in the building now.

_2nd Neighbour_. Well, chairman, we sent off the wool to the
north-country communes last week, and they are quite satisfied with it.
Their cloth has come to hand rather better than worse than the old
sample.

_3rd Neighbour_. I have to report that the new wheel at the silk mill is
going now, and makes a very great improvement. It gives us quite eno