Page:Oliver Twist (1838) vol. 1.djvu/191

Rh Heaven's sake stop a moment," cried the newcomer, breathless with haste. Although the presiding geniuses in such an office as this, exercise a summary and arbitrary power over the liberties, the good name, the character, almost the lives of Her Majesty's subjects, especially of the poorer class; and although within such walls enough fantastic tricks are daily played to make the angels weep hot tears of blood, they are closed to the public, save through the medium of the daily press. Mr. Fang was consequently not a little indignant to see an unbidden guest enter in such irreverent disorder. "What is this?—who is this? Turn this man out. Clear the office," cried Mr. Fang. "I will speak," cried the man; "I will not be turned out,—I saw it all. I keep the book-stall. I demand to be sworn. I will not be put down. Mr. Fang, you must hear me. You dare not refuse, sir." The man was right. His manner was bold and determined, and the matter was growing rather too serious to be hushed up.