The Judge asks if, by doing good to the neighbor, it is possible for anybody to become diseased, transgress the laws, and merit punishment; and Governor Mortality replies in the affirmative.
The deposition of Mr. Abdomen is then read, he being too inactive to be present.
Another witness takes the stand, and testifies: —
I am Ulceration. I was sent for, shortly after the night of the liver-attack, by the officer of the Board of Health, who protested that the prisoner had abused him, and that my presence was required to confirm his testimony. One of the prisoner's friends, Materia Medica, was present when I arrived, endeavoring to assist the prisoner to escape from the hands of justice, alias nature's law; but my sudden appearance with a message from the Board of Health changed his purpose, and he decided at once that the prisoner should die.
The testimony for the plaintiff, Personal Sense, being closed, Judge Medicine arises, and with great solemnity addresses the jury of Mortal Minds. He analyzes the offence, reviews the testimony, and explains the law relating to liver-complaint; the conclusion of which is, that laws of nature render disease homicidal. In compliance with a stern duty, his honor, Judge Medicine urges the jury not to allow their judgment to be warped by the petty suggestions of Sentiment. They must regard, in such cases, only the evidence of Personal Sense against Mortal Man.
As the Judge proceeds, the prisoner grows restless. His sallow face blanches with fear, and a look of despair and death settles upon it. The case is given to the jury. A brief consultation ensues; and then the
