_The Judge._ There's something in what you say, Mr. BADGERER. But the disguise need not be so complete as it is. I suppose it's a verdict for the Defendants? _With_ costs, yes. Gentlemen of the Jury, I can't sufficiently express my sense of the nobility of your conduct in listening to the evidence as you have done--though, of course, if you had _not_ listened, I should have committed you all for contempt in double-quick time--and you will now return a verdict for the Defendants. [_Left sitting._ * * * * * "THE TRAVELLING COMPANIONS."--No. XXVI. next week. * * * * * [Illustration: LEGAL IMPROVEMENTS. ANOTHER SAVING. DURING THE ADJOURNMENT, THEIR LORDSHIPS WILL ASSIST IN THE REFRESHMENT DEPARTMENT. _Thirsty Attorney._ "NOT TOO MUCH FROTH ON, MY LUD!"] * * * * * TO POLICE CONSTABLES SMEETH AND TAPPIN. [In endeavouring to capture a gang of burglars at Greenwich, these two constables were dreadfully battered. But they kept up the pursuit until the ruffians were secured.] Your hand, Mr. TAPPIN, your hand, Mr. SMEETH. To the men who protect us we offer no wreath. They face for our sakes all the rogues and the brutes, Getting cracks from their bludgeons and kicks from their boots. They are battered and bruised, yet they never give in, And at last by good luck they may manage to win. Then, their heads beaten in all through scorning to shirk, Scarred and seamed they return without fuss to their work. O pair of good-plucked 'uns, ye heroes in blue, As modest as brave, let us give you your due. Though we cannot do much, we'll do all that we can, Since our hearts throb with pride at the sight of a Man. Mr. SMEETH you're a man, Mr. TAPPIN's another; _Mr. Punch_--pray permit him--henceforth is your brother. We are proud of you both, and we'll all of us cheer These Peelers from Greenwich who never knew fear. * * * * * MORE BONES TO PICK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD. We see there has been some churlish cavilling in some quarters because the School Management Committee of the London School Board passed a requisition in November last, sanctioning the purchase of an articulated skeleton for the Belleville Road School, at the very reasonable sum of L8 16s. Why make any bones about the matter? What more ornamental and indeed indispensable article of school-furniture than a human skeleton nearly six foot high? Still, should the past system of expenditure be continued in the future, _Mr. Punch_ would suggest that excellent and infinitely cheaper substitutes for skeletons will be found in the persons of the rate-payers themselves. * * * * *