"Look here, Lucas," said Dubois, stepping forward; "you are an old scoundrel!--no one knows that better, or perhaps could prove it easier, than I. Now, so far as concerns Mr. Grimaldi, all we have got to say is, either show us a warrant which authorizes you to take him into custody, or take yourself into custody and take yourself off under penalty of a ducking." This speech was received with a shout of applause, not only by the speaker's companions, but by several idlers who had gathered round. "I'm not a-talking to you, Mr. Dubois," said Lucas, as soon as he could make himself heard;--"Mr. Grimaldi's my man. Now, sir, will you come along with me?" "Not without a warrant," said the rope-dancer. "Not without a warrant," added Davis. "Not upon any consideration whatever," said Dubois. "Don't attempt to touch him without a warrant; or--" "Or what?" inquired Lucas; "or what, Mr. Dubois? eh, sir!" The answer was lost in a general chorus of "The River!" This intimation, pronounced in a very determined manner, had a visible effect upon the officer, who at once assuming a more subdued tone, said, "Fact is, that I've not got a warrant; (a shout of derision;) fact is, it's not often that I'm asked for warrants, because people generally knows that I'm in authority, and thinks that's sufficient. (Another.) However, if Mr. Grimaldi and his friends press the objection, I shall not urge his going with me now, provided he promises and they promises on his behalf to attend at Hatton Garden Office, afore Mr. Blamire, at eleven o'clock to-morrow morning." This compromise was at once acceded to, and Old Lucas turned to go away; but he did not entirely escape even upon this occasion, for while the above conversation was going forward at the door, the muster of people collected around had increased to a pretty large concourse. The greater part of them knew by sight both Grimaldi and the constable; and as the latter was about to depart, the lookers-on pressed round him, and a voice from the crowd cried out, "What's the matter, Joe?" "The matter is this, gentlemen," said Dubois, returning to the top of the steps, and speaking with great vehemence and gesticulation:--"This rascal, gentlemen," pointing to the constable, "wants to drag Joe Grimaldi to prison, gentlemen." "What for?--what for?" cried the crowd. "For doing nothing at all, gentlemen," replied the orator, who had reserved the loudest key of his voice for the concluding point.