A moment later the marshal of Tinkletown strode into the limelight with his arsenal, facing an astonished and temporarily amused audience.

His voice, pitched high with excitement, reached to the remotest corners of the inclosure.
Behind him the players were looking on, open-mouthed and bewildered.

To them he loomed up as the long-dreaded constable detailed to attach their personal effects.

The audience, if at first it laughed at him as a joke, soon changed its view.

Commotion followed his opening speech..