Page:Cup of Gold-1929.djvu/262

“Incontinence is illegal,” said Sir Henry irritatedly, “but since when have we been punishing people for harlotry?”

“My lord, the nature of this woman— The public health demands— We thought the case would be understood.”

“Ah! I see. She must be locked up. Take her away quickly.”

The woman began to cry sulkily.

Sir Henry rested his forehead on his hands, He did not look up at the next prisoners.

“Charged with piracy on the high seas, my lord; with disturbing the King's peace; with an act of war against a friendly nation.”

Sir Henry glanced quickly at the prisoners. One was a rotund little man with eyes of terror, and the other a lean, grizzled fellow whose one arm was gone.

“What is the proof against the prisoners?”

“Five witnesses, my lord.”

“So? Make your plea!”

The tall man had put his good arm about the shoulders of his companion.

“We plead guilty, my lord.”

“You plead guilty?” Sir Henry cried in amazement. “But no pirate pleads guilty. It is a case unprecedented.”

“We plead guilty, my lord.”

“But why?”

“Fifty people saw us in action, my lord. Why should we take up your time in denying what fifty people will swear to? No, we are resigned, my