Doctor in his blandest tones; "and I only want you to be good enough to take an agreeable little excursion with me. Pray be calm!"
"Calm!" echoed Mr. Bouncer. "I 'm as calm as a duck-pond. It 's you that are putting yourself about. I don't want to take a drive, because I 've other fish to fry; so I wish you good morning."
"Oh, don't go!" pleaded the Doctor, but in a very polite way; "do oblige me by getting into the car."
"Flatly, I won't!" said Mr. Bouncer; and he meant what he said, and he looked as though he meant it. That was quite enough for Dr. Dustacre.
"Brand!" said the Doctor quietly to the broad-shouldered man, "don't use more force than is necessary."
Little Mr. Bouncer could never exactly tell how it was done, for it was done so quickly and expertly; but, by a rapid flank movement, just as Mr. Bouncer was turning away, he was seized from behind by the individual addressed as Brand, who held him by his arms in such a way that the little gentleman was powerless, either to use his stick, or to show fight. He struggled and kicked; but it was all in vain; and, in another moment, he felt himself hoisted into the car.
