'My good sir, you are to take it, as you say, for "No." Certainly I will not show you my deeds; certainly I will not rise from table and trundle out to see your magistrates.

I have too much respect for my digestion, and too little curiosity in justices of the peace.' He leaned forward, looked me nearly in the face, and reached out one hand to the bell-rope.

'See here, my fine fellow!' said he.

'Do you see that bell-rope?
Let me tell you, there's a boy waiting below: one jingle, and he goes to fetch the constable.' 'Do you tell me so ?' said I.

'Well, there's no accounting for tastes! I have a prejudice against the society of constables, but if it is your fancy to have one in for the dessert--' I shrugged my shoulders lightly.
'Really, you know,' I added, 'this is vastly entertaining.