"Let's see." said the Sergeant opening the large leather bound charge book. His fingers ran across the pages with practiced ease.

"Here we are. Yes, Joseph Blacke is a guest of ours today." said the officer in far too upbeat a tone. It was if he ran a hotel and not a jail. "He's been charged with 3 counts: public drunkenness, breach of the peace, and insulting a police officer."

According to a note in the 'Remarks' column, young Mister Blacke had accused the arresting officer, Constable Neil, of questionable parentage: the unholy union of a whore and a haddock. The candid report from Neil on the event raised the ghost of a smirk from the veteran officer. But then he doubted Mister Blacke, the elder would see the funny side.

"You'll be wanting him back then?" The Sergeant asked.