Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/61

 "'Not for me,' he said; 'not for Michael. I shall be in court on two sticks a-saving the poor beggar's neck.'

"'Now, look here, old son,' said I, 'just let the whole thing go, and we'll put up somebody else.'

"'If you do,' said he, 'as sure as a gun she's a gonner."

"'I am afraid I agree,' said I; 'but if our fair client is not a fit subject for the rope, upon my soul there's no need to hang anybody.'

"Well, the next thing I saw was that his eyes were full of tears.

"'Oh, damn it all!' he said, 'I can't stand this hanging of women.'

"'She's an out-and-outer,' said I.

"'That doesn't alter her sex,' said the Irishman.

"'Well,' said I, 'who can you suggest to put up in your stead with your plea of insanity? The difficulty is the brief is only marked twenty guineas, and you can't get much for that money with you fellows.'

"'You can't,' said he; 'besides, this is a case for Michael. Unless it is handled in a certain way she is certain to hang. Apply for a postponement.'

"'Why, you old sentimentalist, I don't think we could get one,' said I, having pretty well made up my mind that we could not.

"'Who is the judge?' said he.

"'Bow-wow Brudenell,' said I, 'the most pedantic and cantankerous old man on the bench. And Weekes is leading for the Crown. There will not be much in the way of accommodation in that quarter.'

"'Oh, come, old Bow-wow is not such a bad old