Vimes wondered how long the rubble would hold the creature down. Several weeks would be necessary, if the length of the charge sheet was anything to go by.
The crowd went silent. Even Sybil Ramkin was standing in astonishment.
'What's the matter?'' said Vimes to the upturned faces. 'Haven't you ever seen a dragon being arrested before?
'…Sixteen (Three) ii, on the night of Grune 24th last, you did flame or cause to flame those premises known as the Old Watch House, Ankh-Morpork, valued at two hundred dollars; AND THAT, Sixteen (Three) iii, on the night of Grune 24th last, upon being apprehended by an officer of the Watch in the execution of his duty-'
'I think we should hurry up,' whispered Vimes. 'It's getting rather restive. Is all this necessary?'
'Well, I believe one can summarise,' said Carrot. 'In exceptional circumstances, according to Bregg's Rules for…'
'It may come as a surprise, but these are exceptional circumstances, Carrot,' said Vimes. 'And they're going to be really astonishingly exceptional if Colon doesn't hurry up with that rope.'
More rubble moved as the dragon strained to get up. There was a thump as a heavy beam was shouldered aside. The crowd began to run for it.
It was at this point that Errol came back over the rooftops in a series of minor explosions, leaving a trail of smoke rings. Dipping low, he buzzed the crowd and sent the front rank stumbling backwards.
He was also wailing like a foghorn.
Vimes grabbed Carrot and stumbled down the heap as the king started to scrabble desperately to get free.
'He's come back for the kill!' he shouted. 'It probably took him all this time just to slow down!'
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