“Never you mind the time,” said the other.
“Cos it's important,” said Mr. Grummit.
“My wife's brother—the one you're so fond of—slept in my 'ouse last night. He was ill arf the night, pore chap; but, come to think of it, it'll make 'im a good witness for my innocence.”
“If I wasn't a policeman,” said Mr. Evans, speaking with great deliberation, “I'd take hold o' you, Bob Grummit, and I'd give you the biggest hiding you've ever had in your life.”
“If you wasn't a policeman,” said Mr. Grummit, yearningly, “I'd arf murder you.”
The two men eyed each other wistfully, loth to part.
“If I gave you what you deserve I should get into trouble,” said the constable.
“If I gave you a quarter of wot you ought to 'ave I should go to quod,” sighed Mr. Grummit.
“I wouldn't put you there,” said the constable, earnestly; “I swear I wouldn't.”
“Everything's beautiful and quiet,” said Mr. Grummit, trembling with eagerness, “and I wouldn't say a word to a soul. I'll take my solemn davit I wouldn't.”