The men went away, and I wrote a note to Major Carbonnell, requesting his attendance. He arrived at the same time as the shopman, and I told him what had happened. The shopman declared that the stock was not correct; as far as they could judge, there were two pieces of lace missing. "If so, I did not take them," replied I. "Upon my honour, Mr B----," said the Major, to the magistrate, "it is very hard for a gentleman to be treated in this manner. This is the second time that I have been sent for to vouch for his respectability." "Very true, sir," replied the magistrate; "but allow me to ask Mr Newland, as he calls himself, what induced him to follow a lady into the shop?" "Her ear-rings," replied I. "Her ear-rings! why, sir, the last time you were brought before me, you said it was after a gentleman's nose--now it appears you were attracted by a lady's ears; and pray, sir, what induced you to run out of the shop?" "Because I wanted particularly to inquire about her ear-rings, sir." "I cannot understand these paltry excuses; there are, it appears, two pieces of lace missing. I must remand you for further examination, sir; and you also, sir," said the magistrate, to Major Carbonnell; "for if he is a swindler, you must be an accomplice." "Sir," replied Major Carbonnell, sneeringly, "you are certainly a very good judge of a gentleman, when you happen by accident to be in his company. With your leave, I will send a note to another confederate." The Major then wrote a note to Lord Windermear, which he despatched by Timothy, who, hearing I was in trouble, had accompanied the Major. And while he was away, the Major and I sat down, he giving himself all manner of airs, much to the annoyance of the magistrate, who at last threatened to commit him immediately. "You'll repent this," replied the Major, who perceived Lord Windermear coming in. "You shall repent it, sir, by God," cried the magistrate, in a great passion. "Put five shillings in the box for swearing, Mr B----. You fine other people," said the Major. "Here is my other confederate, Lord Windermear." "Carbonnell," said Lord Windermear, "what is all this?" "Nothing, my lord, except that our friend Newland is taken up for shoplifting, because he thought proper to run after a pretty woman's carriage; and I am accused by his worship of being his confederate. I could forgive his suspicions of Mr Newland in that plight; but as for his taking me for one of the swell mob, it proves a great deficiency of judgment; perhaps he will commit your lordship also, as he may not be aware that your lordship's person is above caption." "I can assure you, sir," said Lord Windermear, proudly, "that this is my relative, Major Carbonnell, and the other is my friend, Mr Newland. I will bail them for any sum you please."