. 11. That no precedent shall be established to the prejudice of
either the human or the monikin dialect, by the adoption of the Latin
language on this occasion.

Delighted with this proof of attention on the part of my Lord
Chatterino, I immediately left a card for that young nobleman, and then
seriously set about preparing myself, with an increased scrupulousness,
for the fulfilment of the smallest condition of the compact. Captain
Poke was soon ready, and I must say that he looked more like a quadruped
on its hind legs, in his new attire, than a human being. As for my own
appearance, I trust it was such as became my station and character.

At the appointed time all the parties were assembled, Lord Chatterino
appearing with a copy of the protocol in his hand. This instrument was
formally read, by the young peer, in a very creditable manner, when a
silence ensued, as if to invite comment. I know not how it is, but I
never yet heard the positive stipulations of any bargain, that I did not
feel a propensity to look out for weak places in them. I had begun to
see that the discussion might lead to argument, argument to comparisons
between the two species, and something like an esprit de corps was
stirring within me. It now struck me that a question might be fairly
raised as to the propriety of Dr. Reasono's appearing with THREE
backers, while I had but ONE. The objection was therefore urged on my
part, I hope, in a modest and conciliatory manner. In reply, my Lord
Chatterino observed, it was true the protocol spoke in general terms of
mutual supporters, but if--

"Sir John Goldencalf would be at the trouble of referring to the
instrument itself, he would see that the backers of Dr. Reasono were
mentioned in the plural number, while that of Sir John himself was
alluded to only in the singular number."

"Perfectly true, my lord; but you will, however, permit me to remark
that two monikins would completely fulfil the conditions in favor of Dr.
Reasono, while he appears here with three; there certainly must be some
limits to this plurality, or the Doctor would have a right to attend the
interview accompanied by all the inhabitants of Leaphigh."

"The objection is highly ingenious, and creditable in the last degree
to the diplomatic abilities of Sir John Goldencalf; but, among monikins,
two females are deemed equal to only one male, in the eye of the law.
Thus, in cases which require two witnesses, as in conveyances of real