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48 'Look at that for strength,' said Mr. Kantwise from his exalted position, 'I don’t think any lady of your acquaintance, sir, would allow you to stand on her rosewood or mahogany loo table. And if she did, you would not like to adventure it yourself. But look at this for strength,' and he waved his arms abroad, still keeping his feet skilfully together in the same exact position.

At that moment Mr. Moulder awoke. 'So you've got your iron traps out, have you?' said he. 'What; you're there, are you? Upon my word I'd sooner you than me.'

'I certainly should not like to see you up here, Mr. Moulder. I doubt whether even this table would bear five-and-twenty stone. Joe, lend me your shoulder, there’s a good fellow.' And then Mr. Kantwise, bearing very lightly on the chair, descended to the ground without accident.

'Now, that's what I call gammon,' said Moulder.

'What is gammon, Mr. Moulder?' said the other, beginning to be angry.

'It's all gammon. The chairs and tables is gammon, and so is the stools and the screens.'

'Mr. Moulder, I didn’t call your tea and coffee and brandy gammon.'

'You can’t; and you wouldn't do any harm if you did. Hubbles and Grease are too well known in Yorkshire for you to hurt them. But as for all that show-off and gimcrack-work, I tell you fairly it aint what I call trade, and it aint fit for a commercial room, It's gammon, gammon, gammon! James, give me a bedcandle.' And so Mr. Moulder took himself off to bed.

'I think I'll go too,' said Mr. Dockwrath.

'You'll let me put you up the set, eh?' said Mr. Kantwise.

'Well; I'll think about it,' said the attorney. 'I'll not just give you an answer tonight. Good night, sir; I'm very much obliged to you.' And he too went, leaving Mr. Kantwise to repack his chairs and tables with the assistance of James the waiter.