The worthy official shook his head with a kind of very high-minded pride, as much as to say, I am far above the level of such observations.

“Mr. Purcel,” said he—­“he—­hem—­hem—­I am sorry to hear that you could give way to such extramely indiscreet and disrespectful language as this.”

“Swear him, sir,” said Purcel, “and let him be put to his oath, for I protest to heaven, Mr. O’Driscol, and as I am, I trust, an honest man, I never once mentioned your name, nor was there the slightest allusion made to it—­none, sir, whatever.”

“The truth is, I should think it very, strange, Mr. Purcel, and very odd, and very unfriendly and disenganious in you to spake of any magistrate in such a style as that.  However, Sam, take the book and swear Hourigan.”

Sam accordingly took the book, and putting it into Hourigan’s hand, said, “You shall make true answers to such questions as shall be put to you, and swear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God, and one-and-sixpence to me!”

“Never mind the one-and-sixpence at present, Sam,” said his master, “he owes you nothing now.  Proceed.”

Hourigan’s thumb had the genuine angle on the back of the book, but it did not escape Sam, who said, “You intend to kiss your thumb, Hourigan, but it’s no go; here, sir, stand there, so that the book won’t be a screen for you; turn round—­there now—­proceed.”

Hourigan, finding that the evasion in this instance was impracticable, gave it a strong, derisive smack that might be heard outside the room.  “I hope,” he added, “you are satisfied now, Mr. Finigan.”

“I see,” replied Sam, “that you’ve kissed the book when you were made to do it; but I see jist as clearly that the sorra much truth are we goin’ to get out of yoU.”

The case then proceeded; but as it would prove, probably, rather tiresome to the generality of our readers, we shall not give it at length.  It was quite evident, however, that the plaintiff and defendant both were well acquainted with the vacillating and timid character of the magistrate, who in the case before us was uniformly swayed by the words of the last speaker; and it was equally evident that each speaker so shaped his arguments as that they might the more effectually bear upon O’Driscol’s weak points.

“Hem—­hem—­this, I persave, turns out to be a very important and difficult case, Mr. Purcel—­a very difficult case, Hourigan—­a—­a—­a case indeed that requires great deliberation and coolness.  Here is strong provocation on one hand, and prompt punishment on the other.  Can you swear, Mr. Purcel, to the accuracy and substance of the language you say Hourigan uttered?”

“Certainly, sir, without hesitation.”

“Because if he does, Hourigan, I shall be obliged, according to Act of Parliament, sir—­”

Hourigan interrupted him by a groan, and a rather significant shrug.

“What do you shrug and groan for, sir?” asked the man of law, who felt both acts incompatible with the respect due to the court.