Mr.Green nimbly twisted out of it, and produced a paper.

"I have here a warrant for your apprehension, Sir Richard, from my Lord Carteret, the secretary of state." Mr.Caryll advanced menacingly upon the tipstaff.

Mr.Green stepped back, and fell into a defensive attitude, balancing a short but formidable-looking life-preserver.
"Keep your distance, sir, or 'twill be the worse for you," he threatened.

"Hi!" he called.

"Jerry! Beattie!" Jerry, Beattie, and two other ruffians crowded to the doorway, but advanced little beyond the threshold.