On returning to the room where the company was assembled, he explained to them that the bellman was without, but said nothing about the indignity he himself had undergone.
"Shall I settle matters with him, or bring him in?" he asked.
"Bring him in," cried the assemblage.
In another moment Ben was introduced. Greatly surprised to find the room thus crowded, he stared at the party.
"What is your pleasure, gentlemen?" he said, removing his cocked hat and bowing.
"We have heard with great concern, Ben," said Mr. Coppock, gravely, "that provisions are beginning to run short in the town. We, therefore, desire that you will go round this very night, and give notice to the inhabitants that no victuals or stores of any kind must be removed on any pretext whatsoever."
"I am very willing to obey you, gentlemen, particularly as such a notice can do no harm," said Ben; "but I ought to have an order from the magistrates."
"This will do as well, I fancy," said Coppock, giving him a guinea.
"I'll do the job," rejoined the bellman, pocketing the fee. "I shan't fail to end my proclamation with 'God save the king!' but I shall leave those who hear me to guess which king I mean."
Wishing the company good-night he then went out, and shortly afterwards the loud ringing of his bell was heard in the street.