CHAPTER VI.

IN WHICH MR. ROUNDJACKET FLOURISHES HIS RULER.


Roundjacket was Mr. Rushton's clerk--his "ancient clerk"--though the
gentleman was not old. The reader has heard the lawyer say as much.
Behold Mr. Roundjacket now, with his short, crisp hair, his cynical,
yet authoritative face, his tight pantaloons, and his spotless shirt
bosom--seated on his tall stool, and gesticulating persuasively. He
brandishes a ruler in his right hand, his left holds a bundle of
manuscript; he recites.

Mr. Rushton's entrance does not attract his attention; he continues to
brandish his ruler and to repeat his poem.

Mr. Rushton bestows an irate kick upon the leg of the stool.

"Hey!" says Roundjacket, turning his head.

"You are very busy, I see," replies Mr. Rushton, with his cynical
smile, "don't let me interrupt you. No doubt perusing that great poem
of yours, on the 'Certiorari.'"

"Yes," says Mr. Roundjacket, running his fingers through his hair,
and causing it to stand erect, "I pride myself on this passage. Just
listen"--

"I'd see your poem sunk first; yes, sir! burned--exterminated. I would
see it in Chancery!" cried the lawyer, in the height of his wrath.