"James Fenton," said Mr. Balfour, beginning a question.
"Jest call me Jim: I ain't no prouder here nor I be at Number Nine," said the witness.
"Very well, Jim," said Mr. Balfour smiling, "tell us who you are."
"I'm Jim Fenton, as keeps a hotel at Number Nine. My father was an Englishman, my mother was a Scotchman, I was born in Ireland, an' raised in Canady, an' I've lived in Number Nine for more nor twelve year, huntin', trappin' an' keepin' a hotel. I hain't never ben eddicated, but I can tell the truth when it's necessary, an' I love my friends an' hate my enemies."
"May it please the Court," said Mr. Cavendish with a sneer, "I beg to suggest to the plaintiff's counsel that the witness should be required to give his religious views."
Mr. Belcher laughed, and Mr. Cavendish sniffed his lips, as if they had said a good thing.
"Certainly," responded Mr. Balfour. "What are your religious views, Jim?"
"Well," said Jim, "I hain't got many, but I sh'd be s'prised if there wasn't a brimstone mine on t'other side, with a couple o' picks in it for old Belcher an' the man as helps 'im."
The laugh was on Mr. Cavendish. The Court smiled, the audience roared, and order was demanded.
"That will do," said Mr. Cavendish. "The religious views of the witness are definite and satisfactory."