There was more laughter, for the justice had a local reputation as a wit. Scarsdale boiled inwardly, but held his peace; while his judge, who seemed to feel that he had strayed a little from the subject in hand, after a moment's silence asked shortly:
"Do you plead guilty or not guilty to these charges?"
"Not guilty!"
"Do you wish this matter settled here or in a superior court?"
"I desire that it be settled here, provided I am given an opportunity to prove my identity."
"You will be given every reasonable opportunity. What do you wish?"
"I wish to ask first by whom these charges are preferred."
"The charge of assault and battery has been brought by the landlord of the Lion's Head."
"I infer that the landlord served Richard Allingford in person on the night in question, and would be likely to know him if he saw him."
The magistrate conferred with the detective, and replied that such was the case.