Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/205

Rh were at last called. Like true men of the world, these Aryan gentlemen had already vanished! Taking their cue from the turn affairs had taken, all of them had bolted except one, and this man in his evidence damaged the complainant's case, whispering to him after every pause, "I told you I would tell the truth; I have to face my Maker." The Judge having done taking his notes, the complainant's counsel opened his speech. This Aryan orator began somewhat in this strain:—

"Although my client is confounded here and there, I have reason to believe that he is an honest man; also elderly. The defendant is a mere lad who owes much to my client. He more than once offered to compromise. Why, if his conscience did not prick him? Having made these general observations, I now leave the matter with your Honour, only remarking in the end that my client has a large family," &c. &c.

The defending counsel, knowing full well that in certain cases silence is golden, merely said, "I can do no better than leave the case entirely to your Honour."

The Judge awarded the plaintiff something like Rs. 30, which, seeing that he had promised a