If you have not been arrested, we have been disturbed; and it is but just and reasonable you should pay for occasioning such disturbance.

By your own showing you are in easy circumstances,--for it is only natural to presume that a man who owes nothing must be in a condition to pay liberally,--and you cannot therefore feel the loss of such a trifle as ten guineas." However illogical and inconclusive these arguments might appear to Mr.
Wood, and however he might dissent from the latter proposition, he did not deem it expedient to make any reply; and the orator proceeded with his harangue amid the general applause of the assemblage.
"I am perhaps exceeding my authority in demanding so slight a sum," continued Jonathan, modestly, "and the Master of the Mint may not be disposed to let you off so lightly.

He will be here in a moment or so, and you will then learn his determination.

In the mean time, let me advise you as a friend not to irritate him by a refusal, which would be as useless as vexatious.

He has a very summary mode of dealing with refractory persons, I assure you.