y true, sir," replied the magistrate; "but allow me to ask Mr
Newland, as he calls himself, what induced him to follow a lady into the
shop?"

"Her ear-rings," replied I.

"Her ear-rings! why, sir, the last time you were brought before me, you
said it was after a gentleman's nose--now it appears you were attracted
by a lady's ears; and pray, sir, what induced you to run out of the
shop?"

"Because I wanted particularly to inquire about her ear-rings, sir."

"I cannot understand these paltry excuses; there are, it appears, two
pieces of lace missing. I must remand you for further examination, sir;
and you also, sir," said the magistrate, to Major Carbonnell; "for if he
is a swindler, you must be an accomplice."

"Sir," replied Major Carbonnell, sneeringly, "you are certainly a very
good judge of a gentleman, when you happen by accident to be in his
company. With your leave, I will send a note to another confederate."

The Major then wrote a note to Lord Windermear, which he despatched by
Timothy, who, hearing I was in trouble, had accompanied the Major. And
while he was away, the Major and I sat down, he giving himself all
manner of airs, much to the annoyance of the magistrate, who at last
threatened to commit him immediately. "You'll repent this," replied the
Major, who perceived Lord Windermear coming in.

"You shall repent it, sir, by God," cried the magistrate, in a great
passion.

"Put five shillings in the box for swearing, Mr B----. You fine other
people," said the Major. "Here is my other confederate, Lord
Windermear."

"Carbonnell," said Lord Windermear, "what is all this?"

"Nothing, my lord, except that our friend Newland is taken up for
shoplifting, because he thought proper to run after a pretty woman's
carriage; and I am accused by his worship of being his confederate. I
could forgive his suspicions of Mr Newland in that plight; but as for
his taking me for one of the swell mob, it proves a great deficiency of
judgment; perhaps he will commit your lordship also, as he may not be
aware that your lordship's person is above caption."

"I can assure you, sir," said Lord Windermear, proudly, "that this is my
relative, Major Carbonnell, and the other is my friend, Mr Newland. I
will bail them for any sum you please."

The magistrate felt astonished and annoyed, for, after all, he had only
done his duty. Before he could reply, a man came from the shop to say
that the laces had been found all right.