this mischief meanly, secretly, and maliciously, and
thereby have added a great deal of criminal intention to the act. Can
you, then, think that a court like this, designed to watch over the
morals, as well as protect the property of our community, can so
slightly pass over such aggravated offences? You can claim no merit
from confessing the crime now that you know so much evidence will
appear against you. And if you choose still to plead not guilty, you
are at liberty to do it, and we will proceed immediately to the trial
without taking any advantage of the confession implied by your offer
of payment."

Riot stood silent for some time, and then begged to be allowed to
consult with his friends what was the best for him to do. This was
agreed to, and he was permitted to retire, though under guard of an
officer. After a short absence he returned with more humility in his
looks, and said that he pleaded guilty, and threw himself on the mercy
of the court. The Judge then made a speech of some length, for the
purpose of convincing the prisoner, as well as the bystanders, of the
enormity of his crime. He then pronounced the following sentence:

"You, Peter Riot, are hereby sentenced to pay to the public treasury
the sum of half a crown as a satisfaction for this mischief you have
done, and your attempt to conceal it.

"You are to repair to the house of Widow Careful, accompanied by such
witnesses as we shall appoint, and then, having first paid her the
sum you owe her, you shall ask her pardon for the insult you offered
her. You shall likewise to-morrow after school stand up in your place
and before all the scholars ask pardon for the disgrace you have been
the means of bringing upon the society, and in particular you shall
apologize to Master Luckless for the disagreeable circumstances you
were the means of bringing him into. Till after this is complied with
you shall not presume to come into the playground or join in any of
the diversions of the school, and all persons are hereby admonished
not to keep you company till this is done."

Riot was then dismissed to his room, and in the afternoon he was taken
to the widow, who was pleased to receive his submission graciously,
and at the same time to apologize for her own improper treatment of
Master Luckless, to whom she sent a present of a nice ball by way of
amends.

Thus ended this important business.

A PLOT OF GUNPOWDER:
AN OLD LADY SEIZED FOR A GUY

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