Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/241

 *pott, more modestly than ever, "but I rather contend that it does. It is a matter of will-power. That to which his supremacy is due in one direction, if evoked in an equal degree in another direction will result in an equal supremacy. What I mean to say is, that it seems to me this truly great football-player has made up his mind to become a truly great advocate. And that is why I fear him."

"Moonshine," said Mr. Weekes. "He is clever, I grant you; but football-playing and advocacy are not on all fours, as he will discover this afternoon very speedily when he comes to address a British jury."

"If you don't mind my saying so," said Mr. Topott, with a very apologetic air, "it struck me this morning that his football-playing and his advocacy were very much on all fours. They both struck me as belonging unmistakably to the man. I have, as I say, a presentiment that things might go wrong."

"Confound your presentiments, Topott! How can things go wrong? And why a man of your experience should funk a mere boy who has had none, I don't know. He is certain to come an imperial crowner with the jury. There isn't half a leg for him to stand on."

"Well, he didn't come much of a crowner this morning," said Mr. Topott deferentially, "in spite of Bow-wow and in spite of you. I don't know where he obtained his information, but I thought the whole thing was most artistic. And if the fellow can cross-examine in that manner, heaven knows what he can do when he gets up on his hind legs to address the jury. I tell you, Weekes,