"I've got it all here," said David. "Take your seat, and begin; I'll read you two, and you choose the best in your judgment of those; then take another and compare with that, and so on."
"Well," said Norton. "Get along, David. It s a pesky business, this being judge, I can tell you."
"Silence in the court!" said David. "Esther Francis; capital, the most beautiful diamonds in New York; interest, she outshines everybody."
"Next"—said Norton.
"I didn't say that, did I?" asked Esther.
"Of course you said that; he's got it down. Next, David?"
"Bob Francis. Capital, a cavalry officer's commission and a horse. Interest, he'll ride."
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed a round chorus of the children.
"Silence in the court!" repeated David. "We wait for the Judge's decision."
"Hm!—I wish you had it to do!" growled Norton, rubbing his head. "Which is the best business of those two? Well, between diamonds and horses, if you're shut up to them, I think a horse is the best stock in trade."