A simple assent was the reply.
“In practice there, in one of the learned professions?”
Hatfield was certain his interrogator knew better, for Williams had been in his store fifty times; but he answered with the same innocent manner as that with which the question was put.
“I’m in trade.”
“In trade!—Keep a store, I dare say, Mr. Hatfield?”
“I do—and one in which I have sold you hundreds myself.”
A general smile succeeded this sally; and Timms looked round at the audience, with his nose pointing upwards, as if he scented his game.
“I dare say—I pay as I go,” returned Williams; “and my memory is not loaded with such transactions——”
“Mr. Williams,” interrupted the judge, a little impatiently, “the time of the court is very precious.”
“So is the dignity of the outraged laws to the State, your Honour. We shall soon be through, sir—Many people in the habit of frequenting your store, Mr. Hatfield?”