Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/62

 sportsman,' said the Irishman. 'Tell him just how it is; tell him I'm suddenly laid by the wing, and it will be all right.'

"'But,' said I, 'even if we get a postponement, we shall be none the better for it. It can't be extended indefinitely; and I am afraid, old boy, this is going to be a long business of yours. I think I shall hand the brief over to Harris.'

"At first I was afraid the wild Irishman was going to jump out of his plaster of Paris.

"'Harris!' said he. 'My aunt! I wouldn't brief Harris to defend a fox-terrier for worrying a tortoise-shell kitten.'

"'I'll admit,' said I, 'that Christopher is not a genius, but at least he will get our unfortunate client hanged like a Christian and a gentleman.'

"I spent nearly an hour arguing the point with the poor old fellow. 'I don't hold with dumb animals performing on the stage, and I don't hold with the hanging of women,' he kept saying, in that odd way of his which one doesn't know exactly how to take.

"'Look here, old son,' I said at last, growing impatient, 'this will have to be fixed up with Harris to-night; and if I can't get Harris, I shall get Westby.'

"'She can hand in her checks if you get either,' said he. 'She'll be hanged by the neck without even a run for her money.'

"'Well, you can't get "silk" for twenty guineas,' said I; 'and you can't get a really useful junior.'

"Now, here follows another of the 'peculiar' circumstances. Suddenly the wild Irishman lifted