I didn't, may it please you." "But it's in the proclamation published last January." "I...

I can't read, sir.

I...

I didn't know." "Faugh!" The messenger withered him with his disdain.
"Well, now you're informed.

See to it that you are at the Secretary's office before noon with the ten pounds surety into which you are obliged to enter." The pompous officer departed, leaving Nuttall in a cold perspiration despite the heat of the morning.