212 THE COACHING ERA 



"A stranger in these parts, sir?" 



Sheridan — "Well, not exaftly, more generally per- 

 haps, than particularly known; and only waiting my 

 time to become better acquainted with the good men of 

 Staffordshire." 



"Do you propose settling in this county?" 



Sheridan — "That entirely depends on circumstances. 

 My present journey to London is connedled with that 

 event; but when we have to deal with lawyers we can 

 never calculate with any certainty on the issue." 



This, as Sheridan expe6led, brought the first passage 

 on the carpet. 



1st Passenger — "The law, sir, committed to intelli- 

 gent hands, and duly administered, is our only pro- 

 tedtion, the only security we have for our lives and 

 property." 



Sheridan — "You must pardon me, I do not complain 

 of the law — I am a law abider. My complaint is of its 

 pra6litioners who convert the law to their own ends, and 

 then abuse it — who will pick the pockets of their client 

 with a bland smile and involve him in a suit for the sake 

 of the fees." 



ist Passenger — "Sir, you are severe and unjust; 

 your remarks cannot apply to the profession generally." 



Sheridan — "I shall be happy if you will supply me 

 with a case where I may be proved in error." 



1st Passenger — "Many, sir — many." 



Sheridan — "I presume you think so. But let me 

 state a case in proof of my argument; and which, I think, 

 will cover the whole of the fraternity. There is a low 

 fellow who keeps his office in Lincoln's Inn Fields, high 

 in his profession, who will sneak into your title deeds 



