'Not comply!' said the man, his brow becoming dark as midnight; and with a hoarse and savage tone, 'Not comply! why not?'
'It is impossible, sir—utterly impossible!'
'Why so?'
'I am not compelled to give my reasons to you, sir, nor to any man.'
'Let me beg of you to alter your decision,' said the man, in a tone of profound respect.
'Utterly impossible, sir; I am a magistrate.'
'Magistrate! then fare-ye-well, for a green-coated buffer and a Harmanbeck.'
'Sir,' said the magistrate, springing up with a face fiery with wrath.
But, with a surly nod to me, the man left the apartment; and in a moment more the heavy footsteps of himself and his companion were heard descending the staircase.
'Who is that man?' said my friend, turning towards me.