"Come in," cried Adair.
In the shadow stood a bulky figure--a blue figure--a figure with something shining on its swelling chest. Phyllis looked and quailed as the bravest of us do at the sight of the Law, intruding its hob-nailed boot into what is metaphorically termed our castle. In this case the castle was so small, and the Law so large and red and impressive that the former seemed but a trifling refuge against oppression. In the accents of a green and troubled island the new-comer asked: "Are you Misther Adair--Misther Surul Adair?"
"That's me, all right," said the actor.
"You're summonsed for assault and battery, and here's the payper, and it's before Judge Dunn ye're to come at two o'clock."
"Where do I go, officer?"
"The city hall, police court number one."
"Two o'clock, you say? Very good. Tell Judge Dunn I have much pleasure in accepting his kind invitation."
The functionary unbent genially.
"Tay will be served on the lawn," he said, "and the Marine Band will be in attendance, and some of our younger set will be there--in blue."
It seemed incredible to poor, trembling Phyllis that Adair could burst out laughing. But he did, and that with every indication of undiminished spirits.