The next morning he was taken before the magistrates, but was told at an early hour of the day that he was again free.  Sir Felix was not much the worse for what had happened to him, and had refused to make any complaint against the man who had beaten him.  John Crumb shook hands cordially with the policeman who had had him in charge, and suggested beer.  The constable, with regrets, was forced to decline, and bade adieu to his late prisoner with the expression of a hope that they might meet again before long.  ‘You come down to Bungay,’ said John, ‘and I’ll show you how we live there.’

From the police-office he went direct to Mrs Pipkin’s house, and at once asked for Ruby.  He was told that Ruby was out with...