“Must I tell him?” whispered the magistrate to Jinks.

“I think you had better, sir,” whispered Jinks to the magistrate.

“An information has been sworn before me,” said the magistrate, “that it is apprehended you are going to fight a duel, and that the other man, Tupman, is your aider and abettor in it. Therefore⁠—eh, Mr. Jinks?”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Therefore, I call upon you both, to⁠—I think that’s the course, Mr. Jinks?”

“Certainly, Sir.”

“To⁠—to⁠—what, Mr. Jinks?” said the magistrate pettishly.