“My Lord!” called out the plaintiff’s counsel, “I have one more witness to examine, and then we shall be done. This is Mr Henry Harding.”
“The gentleman who so calls himself!” interposed one of the barristers who had been briefed by the party for the defence.
“And who will so prove himself!” confidently retorted the plaintiff’s counsel.
By consent of the judge, the claimant was put upon the stand, and became emphatically the cynosure of every eye in the crowded court.
He was elegantly, though not foppishly dressed, wearing upon his hands a pair of stout dogskin gloves.
“May I ask you, sir,” said his counsel, “to draw off your gloves? The left-hand one will be enough.”
The request was complied with, the witness making no other answer.
“Now, sir, have the goodness to hold out your hand, so that the jury may see it.”
The hand was stretched forth. It wanted the little finger!
Increased sensation in the court!