“‘Well, and how was it?’ inquired the other.
“‘Why, as I prophesied, he brought three men forward, who swore to the delivery of the goods. Aware that this would be the case, I had provided three others, who swore to their having been witness to the payment of the bill! This he was not prepared for; and the verdict was given in your favour.’”
“Is it possible,” exclaimed Newton, “that such a court of Belial can exist in England?”
“Even so; and, as there is no appeal, pray keep out of it. For my—”
But here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Mr John Forster, who had returned from his consultation.
We have already described Mr John Forster’s character; we have now only to introduce his person. Mr John Forster was about the middle height, rather inclined to corpulency, but with great show of muscular strength. His black nether garments and silk stockings, fitted a leg which might have been envied by a porter, and his breadth of shoulder was extreme. He had a slouch, probably contracted by long pouring over the desk; and his address was as abrupt as his appearance was unpolished. His forehead was large and bald, eye small and brilliant, and his cheeks had dropped down so as to increase the width of his lower jaw. Deep, yet not harsh, lines were imprinted on the whole of his countenance, which indicated inflexibility and self-possession.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” said he, as he entered the room; “I hope you have not been waiting long. May I request the pleasure of knowing who came first? ‘First come, first served,’ is an old motto.”
“I believe this gentleman came first,” replied the young man.
“Don’t you know, sir? Is it only a believe?”
“I did arrive first, sir,” replied Newton; “but as I am not here upon legal business, I had rather wait until this gentleman has spoken to you.”