The Shadow of Great Britain

As soon as Arthur spoke, the previously boisterous courtroom immediately fell silent.

An apprentice judge beside him asked the magistrate, "Sir, is this proper?"

The magistrate scowled; clearly, Arthur had upset him considerably, but at this point, he had no desire to bother with these trivial matters.

"It's recess now, and what Officer Arthur wants to do is his right. I can't exactly gag him," he said.

Although the magistrate had not objected, the jury members still held prejudices against Arthur's previous actions, firmly believing he must have coerced a confession from little Adam.

If that were not the case, why would Adam be so frightened that he was babbling and sobbing incessantly?

Just as the male jurors were ready to step outside for some fresh air and the ladies were busy comforting little Adam, the boy at the center of the storm insisted on staying in the courtroom, holding back his tears.

"Officer Arthur is a good man," he said softly.

One of the ladies said angrily, "Adam, you don't have to be afraid. We're here for you; he wouldn't dare do anything to you. You don't need to say things that go against your heart."

Mrs. Peel also sympathetically took his small hand, "I'm here for you, and no one's going to touch you. Cry if you need to, let out all your grievances, we will give you a fair trial."

But little Adam shook his head, holding back tears, "No, what I'm saying is the truth. Officer Arthur is the second nicest person in my eyes, next only to Officer Tom's wife. Officer Tom's wife mended many of my torn clothes and told me nice stories. Officer Arthur is the only person on the street who is willing to listen to me seriously, he's even given me some money, he's my good friend."

The ladies, upon hearing this, felt utterly bewildered.

"My God!"

"What in the world is going on here?"

"But he was just now prepared to send you to the gallows, are you sure he's really your friend?"

The gentlemen, too, were puzzled upon hearing this and they turned to Arthur with questions.

"Officer, could you explain to us why your actions seem so contradictory?"

As Arthur saw all eyes focus on him, the weight in his heart finally settled firmly on the ground.

He stated calmly, "Prosecuting the defendant is my duty as a public prosecutor and as a policeman. From the day the Greater London Police Department was established, I have always been told that it's my duty to bring all criminals to justice.

Adam indeed stole the umbrella, and he has never hidden this fact from me; he is a very honest child. From the first day I knew him, I always knew he was an honest and trustworthy boy.

We could chat without reservation, exchange opinions, talk about our troubles, and give each other advice on our respective concerns.

Since he did commit the theft, when I stand as the public prosecutor in court, I cannot go against my conscience and deny his wrongdoing, allowing him to escape the punishment of the law.

For that would not help him correct his behavior, but would only increase his malign actions and foster deeper malice within him.

On the other hand, little Adam is also my good friend.

So, when I step out of the role of public prosecutor, I must consider his circumstances at that time.

Even though he has broken the law, I wonder if sentencing him to death for stealing a parasol is a punishment too severe?

I need to save my friend, even if he has committed a crime, I hope he can have the chance to reform, rather than rashly ending his life at the age of nine.

I must apologize for my earlier actions to everyone here because, for personal reasons, I have created a wrong impression on the jury and the judge, therefore affecting your correct judgment.

I am deeply ashamed and sincerely sorry," he continued.

Arthur bowed slightly, "I apologize to you all."

After Arthur finished his speech, the tense atmosphere that had pervaded the courtroom instantly dissipated.

The jury members, both men and women, regained their composure, and even the magistrate was not in a hurry to go back to the court's antechamber for tea.

The gentlemen began to wave their hands with sheepish smiles, "It is we who should apologize to you. We are sorry, Officer, we misunderstood you before."

The ladies, too, blushed with embarrassment as they apologized.

"I almost mistook you for a villain. Heavens! You're the epitome of a gentleman."

"You obviously are well-educated, well-spoken, and also possess a heart that clearly distinguishes between public and private interests. We should have given you a chance to speak."

"Officer, it's not your fault, it's us who did not understand the situation. I'm impulsive, you know, that's just how mothers are."

The magistrate awkwardly scratched his wig.

"Arthur, you know I indeed have some opinions about Scotland Yard. But that's not directed at you personally; it's about some other legal concerns. I don't dislike you, in fact, I even have a slight admiration for you."

Seeing the mood in the room had clearly improved, Arthur smiled and asked, "Then may I begin to speak?"

"Of course, without any doubt," came the reply.

"It's your right, no one can stop you."

Arthur picked up his uniform from the chair and pointing to the badge on it, he asked.

"As you can see, I am a Scotland Yard officer.

I was fortunate to have started this job right out of college.