His Lordship (interrupting). Do you want to buy the place, now?
Mr. Smith. No, my Lord, at least——
His Lordship. You said no, and I suppose you meant what you said. And now, Mr. Bands, does you client want to sell the house?
Mr. Bands (promptly). Certainly not, my Lord; but perhaps you will allow me to explain.
His Lordship. Explanation absolutely unnecessary. No order, and Mr. Snooks, as he has gone to the expense of instructing (to my mind absolutely unnecessarily) counsel, will have the pleasure of paying for the luxury. Next case.
In this instance both the litigants appeared in person. The question in dispute was a right-of-way.
His Lordship. Now, gentlemen, although you have elected to appear before me without any intermediary, I am bound to tell you that if the matter is carried further—to superior courts—you will find yourselves both landed in heavy costs. What do you say, Mr. Johnson?
Mr. Johnson (one of the litigants). Well, of course, my Lord, I don't want that; but if I win my cause, why Mr. Thompson will have to pay for us both.
His Lordship. Come, come; I see there is a good deal of personal feeling in this matter. Take my advice and settle it amicably. I do not sit on this bench to encourage gambling, but if either of you has in his possession, what I believe was called by Mr. Box in the case of Box versus Cox, a "tossing" sixpence, you might come to an understanding in five minutes. I will wait until you have conferred with one another.
The litigants upon this invitation held a consultation.