“Yes.”

“The other principal, you say, has absconded, ma’am?”

“Yes,” replied Miss Witherfield, with a short cough.

“Very well,” said the magistrate. “These are two cutthroats from London, who have come down here to destroy his Majesty’s population, thinking that at this distance from the capital, the arm of the law is weak and paralysed. They shall be made an example of. Draw up the warrants, Mr. Jinks. Muzzle!”

“Yes, your Worship.”

“Is Grummer downstairs?”

“Yes, your Worship.”

“Send him up.”