“Never mind whether they liked it or not; it was an affray and an assault. Now tell me your version of the circumstances.”
“What circumstances?”
“The brawl. Did you not hear what the constables said?”
“Oh, that little tittery matter! We was looking at a bear and a dog.”
“Well--proceed”
“The dog didn’t understand how to get hold of the bear; he thought he was wus’ than he was, and the bear could do nothing till he had his muzzle off. Then up came a little terrier. My word! he was a daring little dowse of a dog.”
“I want to hear nothing about the dogs and the bear, but about yourselves. What was the occasion of your quarrel with your adversary?”
“Adversary?”
“Yes; the other--Noah Flood, I believe he is called. You see he has a swollen eye, and his face is puffed and bruised. I presume you admit you hit this man Flood?”
“What!--Noah?”