THE HAUGHTYSHIRE HUNT. 257 



" Oh, really ! I don't know," replied Mr. Binkie feebly. 



" Well, sir, I will leave the jury to put their own construc- 

 tion on your conduct ! " said Mr. Silky grandiloquently, as he 

 resumed his seat after tiring this last Parthian dart. 



The trial quickly came to a close with Mr. Justice 

 Smotherum's brief summing up. His Lordship was in a 

 hurry. Already his chance of a seat in the ' special ' was 

 gone, and he would have to push along in order to arrive on 

 the course in time for the big race of the afternoon. 



" Gentlemen of the jury," he said, speaking rapidly, and as 

 if he were thoroughly sick of the whole affair, " You have 

 heard the evidence given by the plaintiff's witnesses — er— ha 

 — hum — and if — er — you believe that evidence, and if — er — 

 you think — er — that that evidence contains sufficient cor- 

 roboration of the story told by the plaintiff" herself in relation 

 to this alleged promise, why — er — you will give a verdict in 

 her favour ; and if on the other hand you prefer to believe the 

 defendant's version — why — er — your decision will be for him. 

 If you find a verdict for the plaintiff, you will then consider, 

 in the second place, what amount of damages you think will 

 reasonably meet the exigencies of the case. Er — I don't 

 think I could usefully occupy your time any longer " (" and 

 I'm jolly well sure I'm not going to try ! " to himself), "so 

 you will now kindly consider your verdict." 



Without leaving the box, the jury put their heads together 

 for the space of thirty seconds, at the expiration of which time 

 the foreman rose, and jerked out the words, *' Not guilty." 



" I suppose, gentlemen, you mean that your verdict is for 

 the defendant?" said the learned Judge. "There is no 

 question of guilt or innocence in the matter." 



H.H. s 



