“‘I wish his honour would send this here man to jail instead of the girl,’ was the reply.
“‘Can we do that?’ asked the magistrate, half serious, half joking.
“‘We can hold him in sureties if Andrew undertakes to prefer a bill against him at the assizes,’ was the reply in the same strain.
“‘Let it be done then,’ said his worship. ‘Andrew, you will be bound in a bond of fifty pounds to prosecute this charge at the next assizes.’
“‘Please your honour’s worship, I’d rather be excused,’ said Andrew, looking alarmed. ‘Who’s to pay expenses?’
“‘I rather think the prisoner won’t pay, at any rate,’ said his worship; ‘those who prosecute will have the first chance of that.’
“‘Then I couldn’t do it,’ said the constable; ‘I’d rather not have any hand in the affair.’
“‘Is the man to be discharged then?’ asked the magistrate.
“‘Yes, if your honour pleases,’ said the constable; ‘I don’t like them ’ere bonds.’