“You may see something very comical in this information, Sir⁠—but I can tell you this, Mr. Jinks, that you have very little to laugh at,” said the magistrate.

The hungry-looking Jinks sighed, as if he were quite aware of the fact of his having very little indeed to be merry about; and, being ordered to take the lady’s information, shambled to a seat, and proceeded to write it down.

“This man, Pickwick, is the principal, I understand?” said the magistrate, when the statement was finished.

“He is,” said the middle-aged lady.

“And the other rioter⁠—what’s his name, Mr. Jinks?”

“Tupman, Sir.”

“Tupman is the second?”