Chasing the Next Sunrise

The judge looked down on Jubal Courtney and leaned his chin against his folded hands. After what seemed to be a long while, the judge spoke. Master Courtney, that was quite a speech; claiming to be innocent - something a smart minded criminal might come up with. I salute you. You're and Irishman, aren't you? he said with a sneer, like being Irish was in itself, a criminal charge. I could see the look on his face and knew I was a condemned man. I am from Ireland, your honor, but I didn't...? Cutting him off, the judge said, Jubal Courtney, for the charges of robbery and murder in the first degree, I sentence you to be imprisoned in the penal colony in New South Wales for the rest of your life. And may God have mercy on your black Irish soul.