“Because whales hain’t got no fins just under their tails!” replied Scroggles, with a broad grin.
There was another loud laugh at this, and Mr Tooth looked a little put out, and the judge cried “Silence” again, and threatened to clear the court.
After a few more questions Jim Scroggles was permitted to retire, which he did oppressed with a feeling that his evidence had done the case little good, if not some harm, yet rather elated than otherwise at the success of his last hit.
That evening Captain Dunning supped with Ailie and his sisters in low spirits. Glynn and the doctor and Tim Rokens and the two mates, Millons and Markham, supped with him, also in low spirits; and King Bumble acted the part of waiter, for that sable monarch had expressed an earnest desire to become Captain Dunning’s servant, and the captain had agreed to “take him on,” at least for a time. King Bumble was also in low spirits; and, as a natural consequence, so were Aunts Martha and Jane and little Ailie. It seemed utterly incomprehensible to the males of the party, how so good a case as this should come to wear such an unpromising aspect.
“The fact is,” said the captain, at the conclusion of a prolonged discussion, “I don’t believe we’ll gain it.”
“Neither do I,” said the doctor, helping himself to a large quantity of salad, as if that were the only comfort now left to him, and he meant to make the most of it before giving way to total despair.
“I knew it,” observed Aunt Martha firmly. “I always said the law was a wicked institution.”
“It’s a great shame!” said Aunt Jane indignantly; “but what could we expect? It treats every one ill.”
“Won’t it treat Captain Dixon well, if he wins, aunt?” inquired Ailie.
“Dear child, what can you possibly know about law?” said Aunt Martha.