What more he would have said or done I do not know, for all further conversation was here cut short by the entrance of the magistrate.
The justice of the peace, a smiling, amiable man, given to trade and knowing nothing of the law, nor professing to, except as it was filtered to him through the hints of lawyers, bowed politely as he entered, and taking his seat, said:
"I am ready to hear your case now, officer."
Upon this Blott, who had in some measure regained his composure, stepped forward and raised his hand to be sworn, but remembering that such formality was unnecessary, dropped it, with a gesture of disgust, and answered:
"Please, your honor, this is the lad the summons was for," nodding down on me as he concluded.
Motioning me to come forward, the justice spoke up, with a reassuring smile:
"Don't be frightened, my son, for no one here intends you harm." This as if in answer to my distressed look, or perhaps because he too had a child somewhere more happily placed than I. Then, assuming the air of his office, he went on, but mildly and as if to give me courage:
"You look older. Are your parents alive?"
"My uncle, Job Throckmorton, and my aunt, Miss Jane Holmes."
"Yes, sir," I answered, turning around and pointing him out to the justice.
At this Uncle Job, taking a step forward, bowed, and addressing the justice, said:
"This lad is my nephew, if you please, and I am taking him to my home. He is in my care, and I trust you will allow us to to go on without further hindrance."
"I am sorry to put you to any trouble, sir, but I must look into the matter now that it is brought before me," the justice answered, politely, scrutinizing Uncle Job as he spoke. Then turning to me he continued: "If you were allowed a choice, my son, which would you choose for your guardian, this gentleman or your aunt?"
Ere I could answer, the gray-faced little lawyer, thrusting himself to the front, interposed angrily, saying:
"I protest, your honor, against this method of trying the case. It will not lead to anything definite, for the lad is not of age to choose for himself, and has therefore no voice in the matter. I--"
"Excuse me, sir, but what interest have you in the matter?" the justice interrupted, annoyance clearly showing in his mild face.