"Read the indictment," said Mr. Macrocodile.
"Being found in the square near the Provost's house, when it was assaulted by a mob of villains, last night, refusing to state what was your business there, and maltreating and abusing the soldiers of the city guard when they attempted to take you, the said Oliver Ellis, into custody," snuffled the clerk, laying down the indictment, and resuming his pen.
"They had no right to stop or molest me; the streets are as free to me as to them."
"After dark?" growled Macrocodile, knitting his brows.
"At all hours," said I stoutly.
"You are a contumacious young dog! Do you know where you are, sir?" he thundered forth; "but we shall teach you to respect the law."
"Hush, my worthy friend," whined Mr. Macfarisee; "remember, there is a Power who chastens those whom He loves; and in His name, let us chasten this wayward one—yea, verily! yea, verily!"
"You are a couple of hypocritical rascals," said I, burning with rage, "and have no right to meddle in my affairs."
"Ay—ay, indeed! we shall soon see that," replied Macrocodile, with a malicious grin.
"He was seen among the rioters who were fired on by the troops, yesterday," said a fat city officer, officiously.