Pearl-Fishing; Choice Stories from Dickens' Household Words; First Series. Чарльз Диккенс

also because a single member is often all that has been left existing of a fellow Skitzlander, our laws, as you, Sir, know much better than myself, estimate the destruction of any part absent on duty from its skeleton as a crime equivalent to murder – ”

      After this I held my tongue. Presently my friend again inquired whether I was going up to Court?

      “Why should I go to Court?”

      “Oh, Sir, it pleases you to be facetious. You must be aware that any Skitzlander who has been left by Nature in possession of every limb, sits in the Assembly of the Perfect, or the Upper House, and receives many State emoluments and dignities.”

      “Are there many members of that Upper Assembly?”

      “Sir, there were forty-two. But if you are now travelling to claim your seat, the number will be raised to forty-three.”

      “The Baron Terroro – ” I hinted.

      “My brother, Sir. His eyes are on the box-seat under my care. Undoubtedly he is a Member of the Upper House.”