‘A good gentleman, a resident,’ he replied; ‘a military gentleman; indeed, a colonel of the cavalry; but, it may so be, retired; and anxious about our vast possessions; though he thinks a translation of a French attack on England unimportant. He says, the Germans despise us most.’
‘Then this gentleman thinks you have a good case?’
‘He is a friend of Captain Dartrey’s.’
Hearing that name, Nesta said: ‘Now, Skepsey, you must tell me everything. You are not to mind your looks. I believe, I do always believe you mean well.’
‘Miss Nesta, it depends upon the magistrate’s not being prejudiced against the street-processionists!
‘But you may expect justice from the magistrate, if your case is good?’
‘I would not say no, Miss Nesta. But we find, the opinion of the public has its effect with magistrates—their sentences. They are severe on boxing. They have latterly treated the “Army” with more consideration, owing to the change in the public view. I myself have changed.’
‘Have you joined it?’
‘I cannot say I am a member of it.’
‘You walked in the ranks to-day, and you were maltreated? Your friend was there?’