The large man, who was puffing alarmingly, exclaimed: “Ha! He owns it! Impudent rogue! Officer, arrest him! You villain, where is my son?”
“Good God!” said the Duke. “Are you Mr. Mamble?”
“Ay, my lad, I am Mr. Mamble, as you’ll find to your cost!” said the large gentleman grimly. “Snape, is this the fellow who gave you a ding on the head?”
The third gentleman, who was nearly as brawny as his employer, said hastily: “I never saw the man, sir! You know I told you I was taken unawares!”
“Well, it don’t make any odds!” said Mr. Mamble. “He admits he’s this Rufford. Ay, and I’ll soon Rufford you, my lad! Why don’t you arrest him, you fool?”
“On what charge?” asked the Duke calmly.
“Charge of kidnapping!” the constable informed him. “You come along quiet, now, and no argy-bargy!”
“Nonsense!” said the Duke. “I haven’t kidnapped your son, Mr. Mamble. In fact, I have just sent you an express concerning him.”
Mr. Mamble’s countenance slowly assumed a purple hue. “You heard that, Snape?” he said. “He’s sent me an express! By God, if ever I met such a brazen rogue! So you want a ransom, do you, my cully? Well, you ain’t going to get one! The man hasn’t been foaled as can diddle Sam Mamble, and when he is he won’t be a snirp the like of you, that I can tell you!”
“I don’t want a ransom, I did not knock Mr. Snape on the head, or kidnap your son, and my name is not Rufford!” said the Duke.