"Then take him at once to the kitchen, take off these
chains and handcuffs, and let him have all that he can eat," replied the
J.P., sternly. The corporal's sense of rectitude was offended. The idea
of feeding criminals and releasing them from irons! The next thing would
be to present them with a medal and a clasp for each new offence against
society. But, orders were orders, and, however iniquitous, had to be
obeyed; so Davis was allowed to stretch his limbs, and partake of a
bountiful, if somewhat late, morning meal. "To trespass upon your
kindness, Miss Hill, with such as this," said the apologetic constable,
pointing to his prisoner, "is no act of mine; Squire Carruthers, who, no
doubt, thinks he knows best, has given orders that it has to be, and my
duty is to carry out his orders to the letter." Breakfast seemed to
infuse courage into the dissipated farmer. When it was over, he arose,
and, without a note of warning, doubled up the stiff guardian of the
peace, and made for the door, where he fell into the arms of the
incoming Serlizer. She evidently thought that Mark Davis, smitten with
her charms, was about to salute her, for, with the words "Scuse me!" and
a double turn of her powerful wrists, she deposited the assailant upon
the floor.
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