all the world, became very
hot and very uncomfortable. Then there arose a vehement dispute
between Sir Gregory, assisted by Sir Simon, and old Mr. Chaffanbrass,
who rejected with disdain any assistance from the gentler men who
were with him. "Tampered with! That word should be recalled by the
honourable gentleman who was at the head of the bar, or--or--" Had
Mr. Chaffanbrass declared that as an alternative he would pull the
Court about their ears, it would have been no more than he meant.
Lord Fawn had been invited,--not summoned to attend; and why? In
order that no suspicion of guilt might be thrown on another man,
unless the knowledge that was in Lord Fawn's bosom, and there alone,
would justify such a line of defence. Lord Fawn had been attended by
his own solicitor, and might have brought the Attorney-General with
him had he so pleased. There was a great deal said on both sides, and
something said also by the judge. At last Sir Gregory withdrew the
objectionable word, and substituted in lieu of it an assertion that
his witness had been "indiscreetly questioned." Mr. Chaffanbrass
would not for a moment admit the indiscretion, but bounced about in
his place, tearing his wig almost off his head, and defying every one
in the Court. The judge submitted to Mr. Chaffanbrass that he had
been indiscreet.--"I never contradicted the Bench yet, my lord," said
Mr. Chaffanbrass,--at which there was a general titter throughout the
bar,--"but I must claim the privilege of conducting my own practice
according to my own views. In this Court I am subject to the Bench.
In my own chamber I am subject only to the law of the land." The
judge looking over his spectacles said a mild word about the
profession at large. Mr. Chaffanbrass, twisting his wig quite on
one side, so that it nearly fell on Mr. Serjeant Birdbolt's face,
muttered something as to having seen more work done in that Court
than any other living lawyer, let his rank be what it might. When
the little affair was over, everybody felt that Sir Gregory had been
vanquished.

Mr. Ratler, and Laurence Fitzgibbon, and Mr. Monk, and Mr. Bouncer
were examined about the quarrel at the club, and proved that the
quarrel had been a very bitter quarrel. They all agreed that Mr.
Bonteen had been wrong, and that the prisoner had had cause for
anger. Of the three distinguished legislators and statesmen above
named Mr. Chaffanbrass refused to take the slightest notice. "I have
no question t