
    The trooper gasps as if he would admit it all, if he could speak.
    »Now, George,« continues Mr. Bucket, putting his hat upon the table, with an
air of business rather in the upholstery way than otherwise, »my wish is, as it
has been all the evening, to make things pleasant. I tell you plainly there's a
reward out, of a hundred guineas, offered by Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet. You
and me have always been pleasant together; but I have got a duty to discharge;
and if that hundred guineas is to be made, it may as well be made by me as any
other man. On all of which accounts, I should hope it was clear to you that I
must have you, and that I'm damned if I don't have you. Am I to call in any
assistance, or is the trick done?«
    Mr. George has recovered himself, and stands up like a soldier. »Come,« he
says; »I am ready.«
    »George,« continues Mr. Bucket »wait a bit!« With his upholsterer manner, as
if the trooper were a window to be fitted up, he takes from his pocket a pair of
handcuffs. »This is a serious charge, George, and such is my duty.«
    The trooper flushes angrily, and hesitates a moment; but holds out his two
hands, clasped together, and says, »There! Put them on!«
    Mr. Bucket adjusts them in a moment. »How do you find them? Are they
comfortable? If not, say so, for I wish to make things as pleasant as is
consistent with my duty, and I've got another pair in my pocket.« This remark he
offers like a most respectable tradesman, anxious to execute an order neatly,
and to the perfect satisfaction of his customer. »They'll do as they are? Very
well! Now, you see, George;« he takes a cloak from a corner, and begins
adjusting it about the trooper's neck; »I was mindful of your feelings when I
come out, and brought this on purpose. There! Who's the wiser?«
    »Only I,« returns the trooper; »but, as I know it, do me one more good turn,
and pull my hat over my eyes.«
    »Really, though! Do you mean it? Ain't it a pity? It looks so.«
    »I can't look
