Part X: The Judge

I woke up in the cot and looked around. My head spun and I was still feeling sick. I saw Mr. Todd putting on his denim jacket in the corner.

"W-what happened?" I asked weekly.

"The Judge is on his way here. Rest and open a window if you need it." Then, he threw a brush at me, "Please brush your hair as well." He said as the door opened.

"Mr. Todd." The Judge said in his cold voice that made my skin crawl.

"At your service." Mr. Todd said, "An honor it is to receive your patronage my lord." He continued motioning to the chair.

"Do you know me sir?" The Judge asked him.

My heart stopped and I couldn't find my breath. Had he found out so quickly? How did he see? What should I do?

"Who in this world does not know the great Judge Turpin?" Mr. Todd replied with his own question.

The Judge gave a noble nod and I found my breath.

"What can I do for you today sir? Stylish trimming of the hair? Soothing skin massage. Sit sir. Sit." Mr. Todd said smiling.

"You see sir a man infatuated with love. Her ardent and eager slave. So fetch the pomade and pumice stone
and lend me a more seductive tone
a sprinkling perhaps of French cologne but first sir I think a shave." The Judge said sitting down in the chair.

"The closest I ever gave" Mr. Todd sand in reply

Then, her began to whistle a tune.

"In a merry mood today Mr. Todd?" The Judge asked him.

"Tis your delight sir catching fire from one man to the next." Mr. Todd sang

"Tis true sir love can still inspire the blood to pound the hearty pyre. What more" The Judge joined.

"What more?" Sang Mr. Todd

Then, together, "Can man require"

"Than love sir." Mr. Todd sang.

"More than love sir" Mr. Todd sang back.

"What sir?" The Judge asked.

"Women." Mr. Todd replied

"Ah yes women." The Judge sang again.

"Pretty women." Mr. Todd sang back.

Then, he began to whistle again and the judge joined in a series of rhythmatic 'bums'.

"Now then my friend.
Now to your purpose.
Patience. Enjoy it.
Revenge can't be taken in haste." Mr. Todd sang to his razor softly.

"Make haste and in this work you'll be commended sir." The Judge interrupted.

"My lord…
And who may it be said is your intended sir?" Mr. Todd asked

"My ward." The Judge answered, then he commented, "Pretty as a rose bud."

"Pretty as her mother?" Mr. Todd asked himself softy.

"Huh? What was that?" The Judge asked vaguely hearing the comment.

"Nothing sir. Nothing." Mr. Todd told him and began singing.

"Pretty women
Fascinating...
Sipping coffee,
Dancing...
Pretty women
Are a wonder.
Pretty women!"

Then, I went over to the window and opened it to clear my head from getting sick.

"Sitting in the window or
Standing on the stair
Something in them cheers the air.
Pretty women" He continued to sing.

"Silhouetted..." The Judge picked up.

"Stay within you," Sang Mr. Todd.

"Glancing..."

"stay forever,"

"Breathing lightly..."

"Pretty women,"

"Pretty women!" They sang together as they started alternating some parts, "Blowing out their candles (blowing out their candles or) or
Combing out their hair,
(Combing out their hair then they leave)
Even when they leave (even when they leave you and vanish they somehow can still can remain there with you)
They still are there.
They're there
Ah! Pretty women, "

"At their mirrors," Mr. Todd sang.

"In their gardens," Turpin continued.

"Letter-writing,"

"Flower-picking,"

"Weather-watching."

"How they make a man sing!
Proof of heaven as you're living,
Pretty women! Sir, pretty women!
Yes pretty women,
Pretty women,
Pretty women,
Pretty women" They finished singing together.

Then Anthony burst into the door.

"I just spoke to Johanna and she said she'd leave with me tonight." He ran in but the excitement in his voice left as he saw the judge.

"Johanna leave with you! I forbid it! I'll have her locked up to where no one can ever get to her again! And you Mr. Todd, it seems clear to what company you keep. Enjoy their patronage because you'll have none of mine!" He yelled storming out the door.

Mr. Todd stood there almost trembling in anger. He was so close.

"Mr. Todd you have to help me." Anthony begged him.

"Out." Mr. Todd said through his teeth.

"Mr. Todd. Please-" Anthony continued

"OUT!" Mr. Todd yelled

Anthony and I both ran out. Mr. Lovett met me on the steps.

"Watch the boy." She told me as she ran up the steps.

I went down and did as she asked.