The Discontented Malefactor


  A JUDGE having sentenced a Malefactor to the penitentiary was 
proceeding to point out to him the disadvantages of crime and the 
profit of reformation.

  "Your Honour," said the Malefactor, interrupting, "would you be 
kind enough to alter my punishment to ten years in the penitentiary 
and nothing else?"

  "Why," said the Judge, surprised, "I have given you only three 
years!"

  "Yes, I know," assented the Malefactor - "three years' imprisonment 
and the preaching.  If you please, I should like to commute the 
preaching."