I never like to commit myself without referring to my books, so I was silent for a moment.
"At least," continued my client, "you have not heard of any?"
"Well, no," I returned; "so far as my experience goes, I have not come across the custom."
"That's quite enough for us, Sir. If you will swear that, we shall want nothing further."
Rather to my disgust my visitor suddenly placed a subpœna in my hand, and told me that the case would most likely be in the list on the following day. Annoyed at his brusqueness I told him I had been ready to accept him gratuitously as a client. I added that as I now found I was only in request as a witness I should require a guinea.
"Oh, of course," said my visitor, producing the cash. "We looked you out, and your name is in the Law List; and I see, too, you have painted it on the door of Mr. Block's chambers."
Disdaining to smile at what I considered to be rather a clumsy attempt at plaisanterie, I bowed, and rang the bell.
"Perhaps we had better have your private address, Sir," continued my visitor. "It would be safer, for then we could wire to you when it came on, and you would be sure to get our telegram."
"I am always here while the Courts are sitting." I returned, in a tone of hauteur; "so you must please wire to me here."
"Just as you like, Sir."