‘Now this is mighty convenient!’ said the sergeant dryly, for he held the warrant for Sadbag as well; ‘we want thee also, my good fellow, and thou hast saved us much trouble by popping out to lecture us; thou couldst not repress thy speechifying instincts, even to save thy liberty! I arrest thee, Joseph Sadbag, in the name of the Emperor Felicitas! Here is my authority,’ and he pulled out of his side pocket the document for Sadbag’s perusal. ‘Oh, I know all about it,’ answered the old man testily, ‘I am willing enough to become thy prisoner only let it be done quietly and decently, for the Emperor will have sufficient to answer for without adding further insult to this lady. He has already done that which will disgust every decent minded person in his realms.’ ‘Let him take charge of his own business; ’tis his affair, and I will perform mine,’ replied the sergeant doggedly. ‘You might come to a compromise,’ pleaded Sadbag in insinuating tones, ‘I have saved you heaps of labour, trouble and exertion in lying in wait, and watching for me all over London by unexpectedly dropping myself into your hands. Show your gratitude, my friends, by letting Mistress Mercia take her seat in her own carriage, and one of your constables may accompany her, while this gentleman and myself will go in the police-van, with the remaining two of you, and we will pass our word of honour not to overpower you, and seek to escape. Now are you satisfied?’ ‘Very well,’ agreed the sergeant gruffly, ‘we will take the offer—only make haste!’ ‘It is quite dark outside, Geometrus,’ observed the old man, ‘no one will be any the wiser as to who are the occupants of the van: I don’t much matter it myself—nevertheless, I will sue the Government for damage to my reputation, for this act will accentuate the situation.’ ‘I care not for myself one whit,’ returned the younger man in a pained tone; ‘but I am heartily glad thou hast succeeded in saving Mercia such an unnecessary disgrace.’ ‘I hope we shan’t be kept a month of Sundays in our cells, for I am simply dying to make my _dénouement_ in court,’ whispered Sadbag to his friend, as he nimbly tripped down the broad staircase that led to the entrance hall, with the policemen following at their heels. ‘For the life of me I can’t imagine what thou art driving at—what the deuce is thy _dénouement_?’ inquired Geometrus impatiently. ‘Qui vivra verra!’ laughed Sadbag lightly; ‘“He that lives longest sees most;” I mean to create a diversion in court.’ ‘A diversion!’ repeated the young man in dismay.