William Blackwell, a master cabinet-maker, carrying on business in Shoreditch, was charged at Worship-street with the following assault on Robert Everett: The prosecutor is a journeyman, and had worked for the prisoner. That morning in the shop they had some words about work, and the prisoner was said to have threatened to “crack” the prosecutor’s skull. The prosecutor declined to continue the work after the abuse, and proceeded to pack up his tools.
While he was putting them in his basket the prisoner rushed at him and tried to prevent him. A struggle took place, and the prosecutor was thrown down. The prisoner then knelt on his chest, and taking a mallet bound with iron from one of the benches deliberately hit the prosecutor on the head, inflicting a nasty wound near the temple, from which the blood flowed freely.
The prisoner cross-examined, with a view of showing that the blow was given in the struggle, and was the result of accident. The suggestion was, however, negatived in the most positive manner by the prosecutor and a fellow-workman, who corroborated his evidence, and also deposed to having heard the previous threat. The prisoner said that he was sorry, and Mr. Hannay sent him to gaol for twenty-one days, without the option of a fine.
The Cabinet Maker – (London) February 1, 1881
–Jeff Burks
Just another day at the Woodwright’s School, where it’s always fearful blood and gore…
… As Bill, now on top of Bob’s chest, was smashing away at Bob’s skull with a mallet, a strange thought entered Bob’s head between blows, ‘Thank goodness the broad axe wasn’t closer, otherwise this could be worse.’
Maybe Mr. Everett would garner a little more respect in the workplace if he didn’t carry his tools in a floppy basket. I bet he had a pink woobie too. And every time someone ribbed him about it, he would scream, “It’s not pink! IT’S ROSÉ!”