to road a few
lines further--"'to transmit me the names and capacities of all
those who are duly active on my property in suppressing disturbance,
convicting criminals, and preserving the peace; especially those who are
remarkable for loyal and constitutional principles; such are the men we
will cherish, such are the men we must and ought to serve.' It is very
true, my lord, it is very true indeed, and--oh! my friends, I beg your
pardon! I hadn't noticed you--oh, dear me! how is this? why I didn't
imagine you had been so sadly abused as all this comes to--this is
dreadful, and all in resisting the king's warrant against the murderer.
But how did it happen that this Harman murdered our poor friend Harpur?"

"Harpur is done for, captain, sure enough; there's no doubt of that."

"Well, it's one comfort that we live in a country where there is
justice, my friends. Of course you will prosecute him for this
diabolical murder; I sent for you to receive your informations, and we
shall lodge him in gaol before night."

"I would rather prosecute that Blackguard Rimon-a-hattha," said a
man, whose head was awfully swollen, and bound up with a handkerchief,
"Rimon, Captain, is the greatest rascal of the two--he is, by, Japurs."

"Yes, but is he not an idiot, Johnston? In point of law he is only a
fiction, and cannot be prosecuted."

"Fiction, Captain! Sowl, I don't know what you call a fiction--but if
I'm guessin' properly, hell to the much of it was in his blows--look at
how my head is, and I wish you could see my ribs, plase your worship."

"Well but let us come to the most important matter first--and before
I go further, my friends and brothers, I would just throw out for
your satisfaction, a few observations that I wish to impress upon you.
Recollect that in this business, and in every business like it, you must
have the pleasure at least of reflecting that you have now a magistrate
who will see that all due care is taken of your interests--who will
accompany your proceedings step by step, and see that all is as it ought
to be. That is not partiality, my dear friends; that is not favor nor
affection, nor leaning to you; no, nor--ha, ha, ha, leaning from you,
either, my friends."

"Long life to your worship! Long life to you, Captain! You're the right
sort, and no mistake."

"M'Dowel, what detained you from your lodge on Thursday night."

"I was buying a springer in Hush fair, and didn't get home in time, your
worship."