“Not that I know of,” replied the carpenter, who had in some degree recovered his confidence.
“Then I presume you've not been arrested?”
“I have not,” answered Wood firmly.
“I guessed as much. Perhaps you'll next inform us why you have occasioned this disturbance.”
“Because this child's life was threatened by the persons you have mentioned,” rejoined Wood.
“An excellent reason, i' faith!” exclaimed Blueskin, with a roar of surprise and indignation, which was echoed by the whole assemblage. “And so we're to be summoned from our beds and snug firesides, because a kid happens to squall, eh? By the soul of my grandmother, but this is too good!”
“Do you intend to claim the privileges of the Mint?” said Jonathan, calmly pursuing his interrogations amid the uproar. “Is your person in danger?”
“Not from my creditors,” replied Wood, significantly.
“Will he post the cole? Will he come down with the dues? Ask him that?” cried Blueskin.
“You hear,” pursued Jonathan; “my friend desires to know if you are willing to pay your footing as a member of the ancient and respectable fraternity of debtors?”