"Who are you sir, and what is your business?"
"I am Mr. Seymour, and my business is to ask your protection."
"Ah indeed, you are the rebel who has been giving our people so much trouble." the brute replied.
"I am sure you do not wish to annoy an old man who is trying to live peaceably at home."
"Yes. I do sir, and I will hear nothing more from an infamous villain like you."
"My people white and black have my authority to do as they will; to insult and assault rebels and to make reprisals whenever they think proper."
Thus day by day the uncrowned satraps were collecting material for the coming carnival of vice and crime.