“‘Yes,’ said I.
“‘After it had gone to the Court of Sweetmeats, it would almost certainly be transferred to the Court of Wrecks, Lighthouses and Divorce, or to the Department of Wills.’
“‘Indeed?’ said I.
“‘It is so,’ said the Scrivener. ‘Whichever of these dealt with it, an appeal would lie, of course, to a superior court, which is generally known as the Court of Mules.’
“‘Why is...’ I began.
“‘Oh, sir!’ interrupted the Scrivener, with some impatience, ‘these things are immaterial! We must use such historic names.... From this Court again the appeal would lie, of course, to His Majesty in Council, which is the supreme authority of the land.’
“‘What,’ said I, ‘to His Majesty in Council—the very authors of the injustice?’
“‘Of course,’ said the Scrivener.
“‘But,’ said I, ‘if the verdict is in my favour, what reason should I have for appealing?’