Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/60

 "Every comprehensive mind is partly feminine."

"No mind can be in any sense feminine. It is a contradiction in terms."

"Well, well! From what data have you derived the courage to entrust an untried man with the defence in a trial for murder?"

"To be perfectly frank, it was Tobin who found the courage for me."

"Tobin!"

"No less."

"Why, Tobin doesn't know me from Adam."

"Not so fast, my friend; don't come to conclusions so abruptly. Tobin has his eyes about him."

"Well, yes, that is an attribute that is common to all who become first-rate in anything."

"Let me tell you exactly what occurred. I was on the point of leaving Chancery Lane about six, and beginning to think about my dinner, when I received poor Tobin's telegram to say he was tucked up in hospital with a broken thigh, and would I come to him at once. Of course I went; and there the poor fellow was in a devilish uncomfortable attitude, as white as the sheets, face drawn with pain, but himself as cool as ice.

"'We shall have to apply for a postponement,' were his first words.

"'In any case, old boy,' said I, 'I shall relieve you of further responsibility.'

"'Not much!' said he. 'Get a postponement until next sessions; I am going to save the poor beggar's neck.'

"'Why, old boy,' I said, fixing him up with a cigarette, 'you will be lying here in your little bed until next sessions.'