his
hands under his heavy coat-tails, as though he were about to deliver them
of the bower anchor of a ship.

"Do you give him in charge?"

"Sure enough do ur," said Mr. Bumpkin.

So the handcuffs were put on, and the stalwart policeman, like a hero
with the captive of his bow and spear, marched him along at a great rate,
Bumpkin striding out manfully at the side, amid a great crowd of small
boys, with all their heads turned towards the prisoner as they ran, in
the highest state of delight and excitement. Even Bumpkin looked as if
he had made a good thing of it, and seemed as pleased as the boys.

As they came again to the corner of Ludgate Hill, there stood Mr.
O'Rapley, looking very pompous and dignified, as became so great a man.

"You've got him then," said he.

"Ay; come on, Master Rapley, come on."

"One moment," said the official; "I must here leave you for the present,
Mr. Bumpkin; we are not allowed to give evidence in Criminal Courts any
more than Her Majesty's Judges themselves; we are a part of the Court.
But, besides all that, I did not see what happened; what was it?"

"Well," said Mr. Bumpkin, "that be rum too, sir; thee see thic feller
steal my watch, surely."

"Indeed, Mr. Bumpkin, it was so quickly done that I really did _not_ see
it, if you ask me."

"Why, he dragged un out o' thic pocket."

"No doubt, Master Bumpkin; but it does not follow that I see it."

"Thee can come and say I wur with thee, anyhow."

"I can't give evidence, Mr. Bumpkin, as I told you before; and, besides,
I must not appear in this matter at all. You know I was absent to oblige
you, and it's possible I may be of some further service to you yet; but
please don't mention me in this matter. I assure you it will do harm,
and perhaps I should lose my place."

"Well, Master Rapley," said Bumpkin, taking his hand, "I won't do thee no
harm if I knows it, and there be plenty of evidence."

"Evidence! You say you found the watch upon him?"

"Sartinly."

"The case then is clear. You don't want any evidence besides that."

"Well, sir, you're a man o' larnin'. I bean't much of a scollard, I'll
tak' thy advice; but I must get along; they be waitin' for I."

"I will see you at Westminster to-morrow, Mr. Bumpkin."

"All right, zir, all right."

And with that Mr. O'Rapley proceeded on his way down Fleet Street, and
Mr. Bumpkin proceeded on his up Ludgate Hill in the midst of an excited
crowd.

CHAPTER XVI.