ge instantly suppressed.

"If," said his Lordship, forgetful of the fact that he himself had
helped in the scene by beating time, "if I have any more of this
disgraceful disturbance in Court I shall give orders for it to be
instantly cleared."

"Thank you, that will do. You can step down now, Ridgwell," said Mr.
Gentle Gammon.

"And very well sung," observed his Lordship, as Ridgwell departed.

The next witnesses were called, Cissie Laurie and John Bowling.

"Are you sure you have those names correctly?" asked the Judge.

"Yes, my Lord; why?"

_The Judge_ (facetiously). "It has been an afternoon of ballads; we
have just heard one very well sung, and it seems to me that the
collection would not be complete without _Annie_ Laurie and _Tom_
Bowling." (Much laughter in Court, in which the Learned Judge joins in
a high-pitched alto.)

John Bowling admitted that he behaved most oddly, but he did so because
the Lion seemed to be behaving strangely. Said he thought the Lion's
eyes had gone green; believing that they were real emeralds, he had
tried to cut them out with his knife.

_Judge_. "What! tried to gouge out the Pleasant-Faced Lion's eyes?"
(Laughter in Court.)

The Sailor admitted it with contrition.

_The Judge_. "Such a gentle creature, too! Lal, the Children's
friend." (Much laughter in Court.)

_His Lordship_. "Had _you_ been to the party?" (Renewed laughter.)

_Sailor_. "No, my Lord, not his, another." (More laughter.)

Counsel here asked witness to relate what exactly happened upon the
evening in question.

_Sailor_. "Well, yer see, governor, I can't say, 'cos I can't remember
much about it; yer see, I was tuppence on the can, so to speak."

_Judge_ (interrupting). "I don't understand that expression; is it a
term used in the Navy? What does he mean by 'Tuppence on the can'?"

_Sailor_. "Well, in other words, I was blind, your Worship, I mean
your Lordship." (Titters in Court.)

Counsel hastened to explain that Mr. Bowling wished to convey the
unfortunate fact that he was intoxicated.

_Sailor_. "You've caught it, governor!"

Counsel was here heard to murmur words to the effect that he was
thankful to say he had not caught it.

_Witness_ (continuing unabashed). "Yer see, the reason as I was like I
was, I 'ad snatched five dog's-noses right off."

_Judge_ (plaintively to Counsel). "What does he mean by saying he
snatched five dog's-noses? Why, was he possessed with a