Men of Character (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852. Excerpt: ... "Yes, Sir," and Runnymede was full of the patriot--"give my vote, or do what I like with it. I suppose I may do what I like with it. Thank God I 'm an Englishman," and as Jack finished the sentence he almost fell in a heap upon the pavement; hauled out of the mail--for the coachman had taken the reins, and no time was to be lost--by the man who had so anxiously addressed him. "What is this'--what is this? Thank heaven there 's the law-- and thank--" "We must do our duty, Mr. Runnymede," said the fellow, interrupting Jack in his thanks. "And I must do mine," said Runnymede--"and my first duty is to give my vote--yes, to get"--"Two thousand pounds," cried the man. "Not so much as that," said Jack, unconsciously. "Every farthing--for that's what the writ against you says,"--observed what proved to be a bailiff. "A writ--and two thousand pounds--from whom? I don't owe two thousand pennies," exclaimed Runnymede, white with astonishment. "All the better if you can prove it," said the catchpole. "The writ 's at the suit of Henry Parsons." "Don't know such a man," shouted Jack--"and, two thous--why, what for?" "That would be very ill manners in me to ask," said Mr. Eyes, the bailiff. "Come, Sir," he benevolently added, "don't get a crowd." - "But I tell you, I can't come--I"--at this moment the mail went off--"I shall lose my vote--I"--"Shall I call a coach, Mr. Runnymede, or will you walk?" asked Eyes, without any comment. "But you shall suffer for this," and Jack buttoned his coat very resolutely--"yes, yes--there are laws--thank heaven, there are laws Parsons--two thousand pounds I see it--you "ve taken me for another man." Eyes smiled--bent his brows--and meekly observed--"Never did such a thing in all my life, Sir." "But you have--I know you have--n...