The Discontented Malefactor

A judge, having sentenced a malefactor to the penitentiary, was proceeding to explain the disadvantages of crime and the benefits of reformation.

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

"Why," replied the judge, surprised, "I have given you only three years!"

"Yes, I know," the malefactor admitted. "Three years' imprisonment and the preaching. If you please, I would like to commute the preaching."