feared the workers of iniquity were abroad." "Oh, you know something about it, do you?" asked the Justice of the Peace. "I was returning from a meeting of the Friends," continued the Quaker blandly, "when I came upon these two misguided souls. As my counsellings were not heeded, and I am a man of peace, I had retired into the woods to pursue my way uninterrupted, when I heard thee approach." "Well, I'll be glad of your assistance, though I daresay I could have managed them until the police came. They're a dangerous pair.[Pg 67] [Pg 67] "And what will thee do with the other prisoner, friend?" "Eh? What other prisoner?" "The one that lies in a debauched sleep at the farther end of the van. I have striven to arouse him, but in vain." "Where is he?" said the magistrate, peering into the black depths of the waggon. "In the far corner. Thee canst not see him from here." "I'll have him out in no time!" exclaimed the officer, springing into the van, with the driver's hat and coat still in his hand. "Not if I knows it, you old bloke!" cried the sometime Quaker, slamming the door and turning the key with vicious enjoyment, while his three companions, for Spotts had emerged from the wood, executed a war-dance round the vehicle out of sheer joy and exultation. From within proceeded a variety of curses and imprecations, while the Black Maria bounced upon its springs as if a young elephant had gone mad inside.[Pg 68] [Pg 68] Suddenly the Quaker laid a detaining hand upon Banborough's shoulder, saying: "Take care, boss; here come the cops! I'll play the leading rôle, and you follow the cues." They all paused and stood listening, while the rapid beat of a horse's hoofs came to their ears, and a second later a Concord waggon, loaded down with policemen, swung into view round the corner of the road, and presently drew up beside them. "Thee hast come in good time, friend,"
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