"Here it is," replied the first speaker, producing a paper, which the officer glanced at and returned, saying at the same time to Scarsdale: "Now, then, come along o' me, and don't make no resistance if you knows what's good for you." "I do not intend to offer any resistance," replied that gentleman, and turning to the little man he asked: "By what right do you arrest me, and on what charge?" "I'm Private Detective Smithers," replied his captor, "and this," again producing the paper he had already shown to the policeman, "is my warrant. You know the charge well enough." "I'm entirely ignorant of it!" cried Scarsdale hotly. "Of course," said the detective. "They always are," and he winked at the officer. "I tell you I don't know anything about it!" reiterated the unfortunate bridegroom. "I must caution you," remarked the policeman, "that anything you says may be used against you as evidence." "I demand to know why I am arrested. I have a right to do so." "Tell him, Bill," said the detective, "and stop his row." The officer, thus admonished, nodded his head, and replied shortly: "Two charges: 'sault and battery on the landlord of the Lion's Head, and disturbing the peace on last Wednesday night." "I deny the charge!" cried Scarsdale. "Of course you do," replied the policeman; "I suppose you would. Now you've had your say, are you coming along peaceable, or are you not?" "Certainly I am," replied the prisoner, and they started up the street, followed by a small crowd, which had already collected. "I must warn you," continued Scarsdale, when they were fairly under way, "that you are making a mistake. I am not the man you take me for." "I suppose you'll deny your name is Richard Allingford next," said the detective, laughing. "I do deny it." "Well I'm blessed!" remarked his captor. The policeman simply said: "Come on, that's too thin!" and jerked him roughly by the arm. Scarsdale quickened his pace, saying angrily: "If you'd only give a man a chance to explain!" "You'll have chance enough, when you come up to-morrow, to explain to the court," replied the officer, "and a pretty bill of damages into the bargain." "Oh, if it's only a fine," remarked the prisoner, feeling much relieved, "I'll pay it and welcome, rather than have a row." "Maybe you won't have the option," replied one of his captors; while the other added cheerfully: "What you needs is thirty days, and I 'opes you'll get it." At the police court Scarsdale did not help his case by insisting on giving his right name, and denying all knowledge of the charge. His statements were entered against him, he was relieved of his watch, purse, and jewellery, and introduced to the cold comforts of the lock-up. On being asked if he wished to communicate with any one, he replied that the next morning would be quite time enough; for he knew that Mrs. Allingford could give him little help in his present predicament, and he did not wish to disturb her night's rest to no purpose.