"Well," said Mr. Blamire, after the bustle of entrance had ceased, "what's the matter, now? Speak, you, Lucas!"
"Your worship," said the person called upon, "Mr. Grimaldi was fined five shillings just now, and had to pay one for his discharge, all of which he left the office without doing."
"Indeed!—is that true?" inquired the magistrate of the clerk, in an under tone.
"No, sir," replied the latter, with a slight but meaning smile.
"Go on, sir," said Mr. Blamire, addressing Lucas.
Lucas was a little abashed at the "aside" confab between the magistrate and his clerk; but, affecting not to hear it, he continued, "Of course, therefore, he still remained my prisoner; and I followed him, and insisted upon his paying the money. This he refused: I therefore collared him, for the purpose of making him return here, and in so doing I tore his shirt and waistcoat. The moment he perceived I had done so, he——"
Lucas paused for an instant, and Mr. Blamire filled up the sentence by saying—
"He gave you a blow on the nose?"
"Exactly so, sir," said Lucas, eagerly.