A certain man whose previous record was of the best was charged with a minor offense. Law and evidence were unquestionably on the side of the defense, but when the arguments had been concluded a verdict of "guilty" was given and a fine imposed.
The lawyer for the defense was sitting with his back toward the magistrate. Without changing his position or rising to address the court, he remarked:
Judge, please fine me for contempt of court.
The magistrate inquired:
What d'ye mean, sir? You haven't committed contempt.
I have, came from the old lawyer. "It's silent."