human
Faith!--the thing--well, you see, I don't know anything about it, but these two women made such a noise in the street--and then they hit each other--and there was this dog here--this little pup no bigger than my hand--then someone came after us to put a stop to it--and, _sapredié!_ how they gave it each other on the way! but as for telling you which is in the right, monsieur le commissaire, I'll never try.
gpt
Well, which of you is the complainant?
human
She's the one that's in the wrong, monsieur le commissaire.
gpt
That ain't true, for she says I stole her dog.
human
Of course, when I saw you.
gpt
You lie!
human
And she kicked me in the fat of my leg, above the garter.
gpt
And she pinched me so she tore my dress, and you can see the marks of her nails.
human
Shut up, you saucy hussy! you ought to tell him that you're the cause----
gpt
Yes, monsieur le commissaire; she's the cause of it. I've never been here before--this is the first time, I can tell you that!
human
First--sure as I stand here--for I was carrying my--my basket, and I saw her!
gpt
Very good, said the magistrate, with a smile, for he saw that the affair was of no consequence.
human
I judge that a dog is the subject of your dispute. Well, we will follow Solomon's example, cut him in two, and give half to each of you.
gpt
That's right! cried the bulky mass, trying to laugh, until her enormous paunch seemed on the point of bursting.
human
There's no way but cutting him in two.
gpt
The deuce! I should say that you are not the real mother.
human
Oh! monsieur le commissaire, I was joking when I said that; but he's my dog. I've got witnesses, too.
gpt
Oh, yes! cried the thin woman;
human
She lies! she lies! it is my dog. Everybody knows him; and then, he was with François, my son here;--come, François, make your deposition.