The men are of some position. [_Reading._] "Alexander Lukyn, Colonel"---- MR. POSKET. Lukyn! I--I--know Colonel Lukyn; we are old schoolfellows. MR. WORMINGTON. Very sad! [_Reading._] The other is "Horace, &c. &c. Vale--Captain--Shropshire Fusiliers." MR. POSKET. And the ladies? MR. WORMINGTON. Call themselves, "Alice Emmeline Fitzgerald and Harriet Macnamara." MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Which is the lady who was under the table with me? MR. WORMINGTON. They are not recognised by the police at present, but they furnish incorrect addresses, and their demeanour is generally violent and unsatisfactory. MR. POSKET. [_To himself._] Who pinched me--Alice or Harriet? MR. WORMINGTON. I mention this case because it seems to be one calling for most stringent measures. MR. POSKET. Wouldn't a fine, and a severe warning from the Bench, to the two persons who have got away---- MR. WORMINGTON. I think not. Consider, Mr. Posket, not only defying the licensing laws, but obstructing the police! MR. POSKET. That's true--it is hard, when the police are doing anything, that they should be obstructed. _LUGG enters._ LUGG. [_Attempting to conceal some annoyance._] Your necktie, sir. MR. POSKET. S-ssh! MR. WORMINGTON. [_To himself._] Then he _came_ without one--dear me! LUGG. [_Clapping down a paper parcel on the table._] As near like Mr. Wormington's as possible--brighter if anything. MR. POSKET. [_Opening the parcel, and finding a very common, gaudy neckkerchief._] Good gracious! What a horrible affair! LUGG. According to my information, sir--like Mr. Wormington's. MR. POSKET. Mr. Wormington would never be seen in such an abominable colour. MR. WORMINGTON. Well--really--I--[_Removing the handkerchief from his throat._] I am extremely sorry. MR. POSKET. My dear Wormington! MR. WORMINGTON. I happen to be wearing something similar--the first time for five-and-twenty years. MR. POSKET. Oh, I beg your pardon. [_To himself._] Everything seems against me. LUGG. One-and-nine it come to, sir. [_Producing the paper packet of money and laying it upon the table._] And I brought back all the money you gave me, thinking you'd like to look over it quietly. Really, sir, I never showed up smaller in any shop in all my life! MR. POSKET. Upon my word. First one and then another! What _is_ wrong with the money. [_Opens the packet._] Twopence! [_To himself._] That man Wyke will tell all to Agatha! Oh, everything is against me. [_LUGG has opened the door, taken a card from some one outside, and handed it to MR. WORMINGTON._ MR. WORMINGTON. From cell No. 3. [_Handing the card to MR. POSKET._ MR. POSKET. [_Reading._] "Dear Posket, for the love of goodness see me before the sitting of the Court. Alexander Lukyn." Poor dear Lukyn! What on earth shall I do? MR. WORMINGTON. Such a course would be most unusual. MR. POSKET.