"I bow to your opinions, though it's very unbusinesslike and improper."
Then he turned to Spry and spoke with resignation.
"Tell them about Judge Jeffreys, Nathaniel—since they insist upon knowing. If you make any mistake, I'll correct you."
Mr. Spry dropped his report hopelessly, took off his glasses and scratched his head over the right ear.
"He wasn't a very nice man, if my memory serves me, gentlemen. A thought 'asty and a thought 'arsh. There's poetry written about him. He did his work in the time of Charles I., or it might be Charles II."
"Or the Commonwealth," interrupted Mr. Churchward.
"Very true—very true, 'or the Commonwealth,' as you say, schoolmaster. He was rather what is called a hanging judge. Still, his red robes and flowing wig would be a great addition to the scene."
"Let the man walk!" cried Mr. Huggins. "A solemn judge would be so good as a sermon to all the young youths for miles around, and show 'em what wickedness might bring 'em to at any moment."
"You don't mean that, Mr. Huggins," explained Brendon, who knew the veteran. "You mean——"
"We all know what he means," declared Mr. Taverner. "Well, you propose Jeffreys and I'll second it, Noah."