“‘Here,’ said the greengrocer.
“‘Thomas Groffin.’
“‘Here,’ said the chemist.
“‘Take the book, gentlemen. You shall well and truly try——’
“‘I beg this court’s pardon,’ said the chemist, who was a tall, thin, yellow-visaged man, ‘but I hope this court will excuse my attendance.’
“‘On what grounds, sir?’ said Mr. Justice Stareleigh.
“‘I have no assistant, my lord,’ said the chemist.
“‘Then you ought to be able to afford it, sir,’ said the judge reddening, for Mr. Justice Stareleigh’s temper bordered on the irritable, and brooked not contradiction.
“‘I know I ought to do, if I got on as well as I desired, but I don’t, my lord,’ answered the chemist.
“‘Swear the gentlemen,’ said the judge peremptorily.