At a distance, he seemed to have suffered some frightful injury to his head, but when he was brought into the midst of the company it appeared that he had twisted a red handkerchief about his face as if to soothe a toothache.

He had a particularly hangdog expression as he stood before the inspector with his head bowed and his countenance averted from Mr.Jansenius, who, attempting to scrutinize his features, could see nothing but a patch of red handkerchief.
One of the policemen described how they had found Smilash in the act of entering his dwelling; how he had refused to give any information or to go to the college, and had defied them to take him there against his will; and how, on their at last proposing to send for the inspector and Mr.Jansenius, he had called them asses, and consented to accompany them.

The policeman concluded by declaring that the man was either drunk or designing, as he could not or would not speak sensibly.
"Look here, governor," began Smilash to the inspector, "I am a common man--no commoner goin', as you may see for--" "That's 'im," cried Wickens's boy, suddenly struck with a sense of his own importance as a witness.

"That's 'im that the lady kissed, and that gev me tuppence and threatened to drownd me." "And with a 'umble and contrite 'art do I regret that I did not drownd you, you young rascal," said Smilash.

"It ain't manners to interrupt a man who, though common, might be your father for years and wisdom." "Hold your tongue," said the inspector to the boy.