Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/156

126 "By all means," cried the gentleman; "I would not have lost my watch for twice its value. I can swear I saw this fellow's companion snatch it from my fob. The thief's gone; but we have at least the accomplice. I give him in strict charge to you, watchman; take the consequences if you let him escape."

The watchman answered sullenly, that he did not want to be threatened, and he knew how to discharge his duty.

"Don't answer me, fellow," said the gentleman haughtily; "do as I tell you!" and after a little colloquy, Paul found himself suddenly marched off between two tall fellows who looked prodigiously inclined to eat him. By this time, he had recovered his surprise and dismay; he did not want the penetration to see that his companion had really committed the offence for which he was charged; and he also foresaw that the circumstance might be attended with disagreeable consequences to himself. Under all the features of the case, he thought that an attempt to escape would not be an imprudent proceeding on his part; accordingly, after moving a few paces