Bless my soul, ma'am, are you aware of the activity of our local magistracy?
Do you happen to have heard, ma'am, that I rushed into a prize-ring on the fourth of May last, attended by only sixty special constables; and, at the hazard of falling a sacrifice to the angry passions of an infuriated multitude, prohibited a pugilistic contest between the Middlesex Dumpling and the Suffolk Bantam?
A duel in Ipswich, ma'am?
I don't think--I do not think,' said the magistrate, reasoning with himself, 'that any two men can have had the hardihood to plan such a breach of the peace, in this town.' 'My information is, unfortunately, but too correct,' said the middle-aged lady; 'I was present at the quarrel.' 'It's a most extraordinary thing,' said the astounded magistrate.
'Muzzle!' 'Yes, your Worship.' 'Send Mr.Jinks here, directly! Instantly.' 'Yes, your Worship.' Muzzle retired; and a pale, sharp-nosed, half-fed, shabbily-clad clerk, of middle age, entered the room.
'Mr.Jinks,' said the magistrate.

'Mr.Jinks.' 'Sir,' said Mr.Jinks.

'This lady, Mr.Jinks, has come here, to give information of an intended duel in this town.' Mr.Jinks, not knowing exactly what to do, smiled a dependent's smile.
'What are you laughing at, Mr.Jinks ?' said the magistrate.
Mr.Jinks looked serious instantly.
'Mr.Jinks,' said the magistrate, 'you're a fool.' Mr.Jinks looked humbly at the great man, and bit the top of his pen.
'You may see something very comical in this information, Sir--but I can tell you this, Mr.Jinks, that you have very little to laugh at,' said the magistrate.
The hungry-looking Jinks sighed, as if he were quite aware of the fact of his having very little indeed to be merry about; and, being ordered to take the lady's information, shambled to a seat, and proceeded to write it down.
'This man, Pickwick, is the principal, I understand ?' said the magistrate, when the statement was finished.
'He is,' said the middle-aged lady.
'And the other rioter--what's his name, Mr.Jinks ?' 'Tupman, Sir.' 'Tupman is the second ?' 'Yes.' 'The other principal, you say, has absconded, ma'am ?' 'Yes,' replied Miss Witherfield, with a short cough.
'Very well,' said the magistrate.

'These are two cut-throats from London, who have come down here to destroy his Majesty's population, thinking that at this distance from the capital, the arm of the law is weak and paralysed.

They shall be made an example of.