As a rule, his instincts are right; for the man who talks
about "Habeas Corpus" in a political crowd will generally do more
harm than can be effected by the tripping up of any constable. But
these instincts may be the means of individual injustice. I think
they were so when Mr. Bunce was arrested and kept a fast prisoner.
His wife had shown her knowledge of his character when she declared
that he'd be "took" if any one was "took."
Bunce was taken into custody with some three or four others like
himself,--decent men, who meant no harm, but who thought that as men
they were bound to show their political opinions, perhaps at the
expense of a little martyrdom,--and was carried into a temporary
stronghold, which had been provided for the necessities of the
police, under the clock-tower.
"Keep me, at your peril!" said Bunce, indignantly.
"We means it," said the sergeant who had him in custody.
"I've done no ha'porth to break the law," said Bunce.
"You was breaking the law when you was upsetting my men, as I saw
you," said the sergeant.
"I've upset nobody," said Bunce.
"Very well," rejoined the sergeant; "you can say it all before the
magistrate, to-morrow."
"And am I to be locked up all night?" said Bunce.
"I'm afraid you will," replied the sergeant.
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