It was Christmas and the judge was in a benevolent①mood as he questioned the prisoner. “What are you charged②with？” he asked.
“Doing my Christmas shopping early.” replied the defendant.
“That’s no offense③，” replied the judge， “How early were you doing this shopping？”
“Before the store opened.” countered the prisoner.
① benevolentadj. 仁慈的，厚道的，有爱心的
② chargev. 控告，指控
③ offensen. 罪过，犯法（行为），过错
采购过早
那天是圣诞节，法官在审讯犯人时也有点恻隐之心。“你为什么而被起诉？”他问。
“采购圣诞节物品过早。”被告答。
“这不算犯法，”法官回答，“你购物多早？”
“在商店开门之前。”犯人应道。