“‘Any jailer, inspector, or turnkey who lays hands upon any prisoner of State will be dismissed.’”
“Yes, who lays hands,” said Gryphus, mad with rage, “but there is not a word about a stick in the regulation.”
“And the second,” continued Cornelius, “which is not written in the regulation, but which is to be found elsewhere:—
“‘Whosoever takes up the stick will be thrashed by the stick.’”
Gryphus, growing more and more exasperated by the calm and sententious tone of Cornelius, brandished his cudgel, but at the moment when he raised it Cornelius rushed at him, snatched it from his hands, and put it under his own arm.
Gryphus fairly bellowed with rage.
“Hush, hush, my good man,” said Cornelius, “don’t do anything to lose your place.”
“Ah, you sorcerer! I’ll pinch you worse,” roared Gryphus.
“I wish you may.”
“Don’t you see my hand is empty?”