An old colored man charged with stealing chickens was arraigned in court
and was incriminating himself when the judge said:
"You ought to have a lawyer. Where's your lawyer?"
"Ah ain't got no lawyer, jedge," said the old man.
"Very well, then," said his honor, "I'll assign a lawyer to defend you."
"Oh, no, suh; no, suh! Please don't do dat!" the darky begged.
"Why not?" asked the judge. "It won't cost you anything. Why don't you
want a lawyer?"
"Well, jedge, Ah'll tell you, suh," said the old man, waving his
tattered old hat confidentially. "Hit's dis way. Ah wan' tah enjoy dem
chickens mahse'f."