Bassett and his solicitor strike blow upon blow.
There! I'll fight my own battle; and do you try and find some way of
defending the poor souls that are in trouble because they did not sit
with their hands before them when their benefactor was outraged.
Command my purse, if money will save them from prison."
Then she rose with dignity, and walked like a camelopard all down the
room on the side opposite to Mr. Oldfield. Angelo flew to open the
door, and in a whisper begged a word with her in private. She bowed
ascent, and passed on from the room.
"What a fine creature!" said Mr. Oldfield. "How she walks!"
Mr. Angelo made no reply to this, but asked him what was to be done for
the poor men: "they will be up before the Bench to-morrow."
Stung a little by Lady Bassett's remark, Mr. Oldfield answered,
promptly, "We must get some tradesmen to bail them with our money. It
will only be a few pounds apiece. If the bail is accepted, they shall
offer pecuniary compensation, and get up a defense; find somebody to
swear Sir Charles was sane--that sort of evidence is always to be got.
Counsel must do the rest. Simple natives--benefactor outraged--honest
impulse--regretted, the moment they understood the capture had been
legally made. Then throw dirt on the plaintiff.
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