ACT III.
SCENE I.—The Tombs Police Court. Long high desk, with three seats, across back from R. to L. on Platform. Railing in front. Railing around L. H. with opening C. In front of railing, a bench R. and L.H. Gate in C. of railing.
Judge Bowling and another Justice seated behind high desk, C. with clerk on his L. H. Justice is reading paper, with his feet upon desk, R. H. Policeman at R. and L., 1, 2, E. Policeman 9-9-9 at gate, C. Hard-looking set of men and women on benches, R. and L. Lawyer Splinter is talking to Rafferdi, who is in crowd down R.
Bow. Smithers, keep those people quiet. (9-9-9 handling people roughly.) Here—easy, officer; treat those poor people decently. Well, whom have you got there?
9-9-9. (Going to 1, E. L. H., and dragging urchin within railing.) Pickpocket, your Honor. Caught in the act.
Bow. What's he got to say for himself? Nothing, eh? What's his name?
9-9-9. (Stooping down to boy as if asking him.) Says his name is Peter Rich.
Bow. You stand a poor chance, Rich! Take him away. (Bowling consults with other Justice, as the boy is taken off E. R. H.)
Splinter. (To Rafferdi, who has his monkey and organ.) So you want to get out, eh? How much money have you got?
Raff. Be jabers! half a dollar in cents is all the money I'm worth in the world.
Splin. Give it to me. I thought you organ fellows were Italians.
Raff. Devil doubt it! Aint I got a monkey?
9-9-9. Here, you; come up here. (Takes Rafferdi inside the railing, L. H.)
Bow. Now, then; what's this, officer?
9-9-9. (Rafferdi takes stand R.) Complaint of disturbing the neighborhood.
Bow. What have you got to say for yourself?
Splin. (R. H.) If your Honor please, I appear for this man.
Bow. Well, what have you got to say for him?
Splin. Here is an unfortunate man, your Honor—a native of Sunny Italy. He came to our free and happy country, and being a votary of music, he bought an organ and a monkey, and tried to earn his bread. But the myrmidons of the law were upon him, and the Eagle of Liberty drooped his pinions as Rafferdi was hurried to his dungeon.
