Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/194

178 THE VAQUIL.

Another "character," as busy as the Hajaam and about as popular as the Márwári, is the mofussil Vakeel (Pleader), or, as Persian scholars would call him, the Va'quil.

The Va'quil may be described as a column of vapour issuing from the Ocean of Emptiness. When condensed, after repeated manipulations, by the Professor of Law, and mixed with a strong solution of brass, the thing is rolled up before Sir Michael Westropp, who licks it into shape, generally after tiffin. The exercise is said to be very exhilarating for both parties. As soon as Sir Michael has licked into shape and breathed life into it, the Va'quil starts up as if from a