.

"My Lord," shouted that gentleman, as he bounded to his feet, "my Lord,
I take this opportunity of protesting that the witness is not the only
one who complains of being lost in the fog. I myself, my Lud, am
completely lost owing to the same cause."

"In that case," said the Judge, testily, "always keep quite still, and
you will in time find out where you are."

Titters in Court.

"My Lord," roared Counsel for the defendant, "I protest!"

The Judge interposing. "My learned friend, there is only one thing
present in this Court that has a right to roar, and it is noticeable
what a good example he sets you by refraining from doing so."
(Amusement in Court.) "Kindly sit down. The little boy is giving his
evidence very well indeed."

"Am I to take this witness's evidence down, my Lord?" inquired the
Judge's Clerk in a whisper.

"Certainly, certainly," replied the Judge. "If a Hans Christian
Andersen comes into Court, or sends a deputy, the evidence must be
taken down, the same as anybody else's."

"And now, Ridgwell," said Mr. Gentle Gammon, in his gentlest tones,
"will you please tell us in your own way all that befell you when you
became acquainted with the Pleasant-Faced Lion."

For a considerable time the Learned Judge folded his claw-like thumbs
and listened, and the Court sat amazed and stupefied whilst Ridgwell
told of all the adventures that had befallen him after his acquaintance
with Lal.

First came the tournament, then his first ride home to Balham on the
Lion's back.

"Rather a long way, little man, eh?" suggested the Judge, affably. "He
could never have been away so far from Trafalgar Square before. How
did he find his way?"

"Oh, he followed the tram-lines," said Ridgwell.

Titters in Court.

"Good indeed, a most admirable witness this," observed his Lordship.

Then followed a simple but glowing description of the Pleasant-Faced
Lion's wonderful evening party.

"Dear me," again observed his Lordship, "you had Royalty present, too!"

"Yes," said Ridgwell. "King Richard, King Charles, Queen Boadicea; and
Oliver Cromwell came in and shouted 'Ho!' at King Richard and 'Ha, ha!'
at King Charles. Then the Griffin ordered Oliver Cromwell out, and
Christine thanked him."

"Very extraordinary and interesting," observed his Lordship; "and who
is Christine?"

"She is my little sister."

"I have her deposition here, my Lord," broke in Counsel for plaintiff,
"bearing out her brother's