The consultation having lasted about ten minutes, Mr. Jinks retired to his end of the table; and the magistrate, with a preparatory cough, drew himself up in his chair, and was proceeding to commence his address, when Mr. Pickwick interposed.

“I beg your pardon, sir, for interrupting you,” said Mr. Pickwick; “but before you proceed to express, and act upon, any opinion you may have formed on the statements which have been made here, I must claim my right to be heard so far as I am personally concerned.”

“Hold your tongue, Sir,” said the magistrate peremptorily.

“I must submit to you, Sir⁠—” said Mr. Pickwick.

“Hold your tongue, sir,” interposed the magistrate, “or I shall order an officer to remove you.”