Sir Humphrey tried to shake himself free, whilst the beadle majestically replied,—
"You'll have it explanated to you, friend, before his Honour!"
The excitement and lust of capture was growing apace.
"Got him!" shouted most of the men.
"Showin' his ugly face in broad daylight!" commented the women.
"Hold him tight, beadle," was the universal admonition.
"You rascal! you dare!..." gasped Sir Humphrey, struggling violently, and shaking a menacing fist in the beadle's face.
"Silence!" commanded Master Inch, with supreme dignity.
"I'll have you whipped for this!"
But this aroused the beadle's most awesome ire.