other two
prisoners also pleaded having taken a drop too much.

Mr. Minshull observed that there were two charges against Ferguson,
whom he should consider as the principal offender, and should fine
him 5 pounds for unlawful possession of one of the knockers, and 5
pounds for assaulting the police constable in the execution of his
duty. He should not fine the other two.

Ferguson said he had no objection to pay 5 pounds for the knocker,
but, as he denied the assault, he should appeal against the fine.

Mr. Minshull informed him that there was no appeal in the case, but
he intimated that Mr. Ferguson might go to prison, if he pleased,
instead of paying the fine.

Ferguson: Oh, there's no occasion for that; I shall pay the fine.

Mr. Minshull then desired him to come round in front of the bench,
and said to him: "I dare say, Sir, you have money enough at your
disposal, but I pray you not to entertain the notion that you can
therefore do as you think fit in the streets of this metropolis,
either by night, or by day. You were brought before me, recently,
for a similar offence, when I fined you 5 pounds, and I now warn you,
that if you should again appear before me, under circumstances like
the present, I shall, most assuredly, feel it to be my duty, not to
inflict a pecuniary fine upon you--for that is no punishment to a
person in your station--but I shall send you, at once, as I am
authorized to do, to hard labour in the House of Correction, and you
will then see that neither rank, nor riches, can entitle you to the
privilege of committing depredations upon the property of peaceable
and industrious persons, or of disturbing the peace and quiet of this
town with impunity."

The noble Lord was then handed over to the custody of the gaoler, and his
two companions were discharged. It appeared that he had not sufficient
money about him to pay the fines, but his brother, the Marquis of
Waterford, after visiting him in "durance vile," released him from his
ignoble captivity by paying the fines.

On the same day, his brother, Lord James Beresford, was arrested for
disgusting behaviour, and two "young men of genteel appearance," who gave
false names, were taken in custody by the police for maliciously
upsetting a shell-fish stall.

One more illustration of the amusements and behaviour of the _jeunesse
doree_ of th