“The Trial of William Tinkling” Written by Himself at the Age of 8 Years is a popular book by Charles Dickens written in the 1860’s.
Young William Tinkling is the editor of a magazine. He and Nettie Ashford were married in the right-hand closet in the corner of the dancing-school where first we met, with a ring (a green one) purchased from Wilkingwater's toy-shop.
His cousin, “Lieutenant-Colonel” Robin Redforth was united, with similar ceremonies, to Alice Rainbird.
They find out that Alice and Nettie are “being held captive” in the dungeon (basement) of Miss Grimmer's establishment. He and Bob make a vow to free the girls from their captivity. The Colonel is to lead the “attack” and signal William when he is to commence his, but the Colonel is “captured” and the signal never comes.
William is accused of cowardice in the face of the enemy and a court-martial is convened, which takes place with much pomp and ceremony on the grass, under a tree by the pond.
What was the result of the court-martial and what happened to William you ask? Well, you’ll have to download and read this little book to find out.