ake him if you does your dooty, and master 'll be
answerable for me."

"Exactly," said the constable; "come along."

"Nay, but this arn't fair, master. Take one, take all. You bring us
both."

"Come along."

"If you don't bring that there young un too, I won't go," exclaimed the
scoundrel, fiercely.

_Click_!

A short struggle, and then _click_ again, and Mike Bannock's hands were
useless, but he threw himself down.

"Fair play, fair play," he cried, savagely; "take one, take all. Are
you going to charge him, master?"

"Take the scoundrel away, Smithers, and once more I will be bail--before
the magistrates, if necessary--for my clerk's appearance," cried Uncle
Josiah, who was now out of patience. "Can I help?"

"Well, sir, you could," said the constable, grimly; "but if you'd have
in three or four of your men, and a short step ladder, we could soon
carry him off."

"No man sha'n't carry me off," roared Mike, as Jem ran out of the office
with great alacrity, and returned in a very short time with three men
and a stout ladder, about nine feet long.

"That's the sort, Wimble," said the constable. "Didn't think of a rope,
did you?"

"Did I think of two ropes?" said Jem, grinning.

"Ah!" ejaculated the constable. "Now, Mike Bannock, I just warn you
that any violence will make your case worse. Take my advice, get up and
come quietly."

"Take young Don Lavington too, then, and I will."

"Get up, and walk quietly."

"Not 'less you takes him."

"Sorry to make a rumpus, sir," said the constable, apologetically; "but
I must have him out."

"The sooner the better," said Uncle Josiah, grimly.

"I am ready to go, uncle," said Don, quietly. "I am not afraid."

"Hold your tongue, sir!" said the merchant, sternly; "and stand out of
the way."

"Now, Mike," said the constable, "this is the third time of asking.
Will you come quiet?"

"Take him too," cried Mike.

"Ready with those ropes, Wimble. You two, ready with that there. Now,
Mike Bannock, you've been asked three times, and now you've got to mount
that ladder."

"Any man comes a-nigh me," roared Mike, "I'll--"

He did not say what, for the constable dashed at him, and by an
ingenious twist avoided a savage kick, threw the scoundrel over on his
face, as he lay on the floor, and sat upon him, retaining his seat in
spite of his struggles.

"Step the first," said the constable, coolly. "Now, Wimble, I want that
ladder passed under me, so a