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."