At this moment, which is always the nick of time chosen by the force, that is to say, when everything is done except the handcuffs, a policeman with a great deal of authority in his appearance came up, and plunged his hands under his heavy coat-tails, as though he were about to deliver them of the bower anchor of a ship.
So the handcuffs were put on, and the stalwart policeman, like a hero with the captive of his bow and spear, marched him along at a great rate, Bumpkin striding out manfully at the side, amid a great crowd of small boys, with all their heads turned towards the prisoner as they ran, in the highest state of delight and excitement. Even Bumpkin looked as if he had made a good thing of it, and seemed as pleased as the boys.
As they came again to the corner of Ludgate Hill, there stood Mr. O’Rapley, looking very pompous and dignified, as became so great a man.
“One moment,” said the official; “I must here leave you for the present, Mr. Bumpkin; we are not allowed to give evidence in Criminal Courts any more than Her Majesty’s Judges themselves; we are a part of the Court. But, besides all that, I did not see what happened; what was it?”
“Well,” said Mr. Bumpkin, “that be rum too, sir; thee see thic feller steal my watch, surely.”
“Indeed, Mr. Bumpkin, it was so quickly done that I really did _not_ see it, if you ask me.”
“No doubt, Master Bumpkin; but it does not follow that I see it.”
“Thee can come and say I wur with thee, anyhow.”
“I can’t give evidence, Mr. Bumpkin, as I told you before; and, besides, I must not appear in this matter at all. You know I was absent to oblige you, and it’s possible I may be of some further service to you yet; but please don’t mention me in this matter. I assure you it will do harm, and perhaps I should lose my place.”
“Well, Master Rapley,” said Bumpkin, taking his hand, “I won’t do thee no harm if I knows it, and there be plenty of evidence.”
“Evidence! You say you found the watch upon him?”
“The case then is clear. You don’t want any evidence besides that.”
“Well, sir, you’re a man o’ larnin’. I bean’t much of a scollard, I’ll tak’ thy advice; but I must get along; they be waitin’ for I.”
“I will see you at Westminster to-morrow, Mr. Bumpkin.”