Quarm limped up, and planted himself in front of him. “I have hardly had a word with you yet, Pasco. How is my sister--and how is Kitty?” “Both pretty middling. Kate is here--in the fair. I left her with Jan Pooke and his party. Something may come of this, Zerah thinks. Jan has been mightily attentive since they were together in the boat.” “Pasco,” said Jason, “that fellow, Roger Redmore, is abroad still.” “Yes; he has not been caught.” “If I was you, I would insure.” “Pshaw! I’m not afraid of fire.” “There is no telling. You keep such a stock of all kinds of goods in your place--coals, spirits, wool, hides--and now you are likely to have bark in. Take my advice and insure, in case of accident.” “It is throwing good money away.” “Not a bit. If Pooke had insured, he would not now be the loser to the tune of fifty pounds.” “Well; I don’t mind; but if I insure, it shall be for a round sum.” “Two or three hundred?” “Bah! A thousand.” “A thousand?” “Why not? My stores are worth it.” “Are they? Stores, and house as well?” “No, stores alone. I’ll consider about the house.” “A thousand pounds! You don’t mean it, Pasco?” “Ay. I’ll insure for one thousand two hundred. I shall have all Coaker’s wool in, and the Brimpts tan which Hamley won’t buy; and I shall be having coals in during summer when price is down, to sell in winter when prices are up. Twelve hundred, Jason; not a penny under.” “Come on, then, to the office, and have your policy drawn.” “We do business in a large way,” said Pepperill, turning to Bramber. “Twelve hundred would not cover my loss, were that scoundrel Redmore to set fire to my stores. Now I will let you go; may you enjoy yourself. Come, Jason--twelve hundred!” CHAPTER XVIII BRAZIL NUTS The constables, always on the alert for some breach of the law during the fair, had come down on the combatants, arrested them, and conveyed them to the courthouse. On fair-days a magistrate was ever at hand to dispose of such cases as might arise, disputes over engagements, quarrels, petty thefts, etc. Mr. Caunter, the justice who lived in the town, and who had undertaken not to absent himself that day, was summoned. Another joined him. The two young men presented a somewhat battered and deplorable condition. Noah, bruised in the face, had his eye darkened and swelling; but Jan showed the most damaged appearance, as his head had been cut, and the blood had flowed over his forehead and stained his cheek. Something had been done to wash his face and to staunch the flow, but this had been only partially successful. The court-house was crowded. Friends and acquaintances had deserted the bear, that they might see the end of the brawl between the lusty young men, and to exhibit their sympathy and give evidence in their favour if required.