"Sure I will," retorted Master Juggins, who had caught another lungful of breath. "Had it not been for this good citizen here—" he swept an arm in my direction—"it had been a corpse you would have found. So much for your diligence and courage!"
"But we will be after the scoundrels, worshipful Master Alderman," pleaded the captain.
"Aye, we shall be hard on their heels, Master Juggins," assured he of the quavery voice.
"Doubt not our diligence, worthy sir!" appealed a third.
"Can you but give us a description of the knaves!" suggested a fourth.
"Shall I do your work for you!" replied Master Juggins in his delightful Dorset burr. Zounds! How I liked the man with his broad humor, his ready courage and prompt good sense!
"Nay, but——"
"But me no buts. Be about your rounds. And if you see any hang-dog-looking rogues or homeless knaves or masterless men, do you apprehend them for the night and lodge them in the Fleet. In the morning you may let me know what you have done. I will then consider whether your belated efforts may overset your cowardice and laziness in the beginning."
"It shall be as you say, good Master Juggins," assented the captain meekly. "Which way went your assailants?"
"What! More questions?" exploded Master Juggins. "Nay, this is too much."