WILLIAM feels that at last the world is sane
and duly attentive to him again. Bowdler submits that the state of
mind of the accused person (accused person!) should be inquired
into.
The judge very readily acquiesces; anything to get rid of the
fellow. The prison doctor swears that he has never seen a lunatic if
this isn't one. An assertive juryman, who disapproves of business
being so rushed as not to permit of a hanging, expresses the view
aloud that it is all put on. Silence ensues upon the anomaly of a
juryman daring to express a view aloud; WILLIAM avails himself of
this silence for the same purpose. His view, which was evidently
intended to take some time in the expressing, starts off with
personal reminiscences of the intimate friendship and business
partnership between himself and the Almighty. The juryman at once
gives in and the verdict is found before WILLIAM has completed his
second sentence....
WILLIAM hears himself being ordered "to be detained during His
Majesty's pleasure." The warder, propelling him down below stairs to
the cells, makes it quite clear to WILLIAM that the Majesty referred
to is not his (WILLIAM'S)....
Bowdler follows later to tell WILLIAM what a lucky fellow he is, and
also to take off him one pound, three shillings and sixpence.
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