he hornpipe.) Then he sang the third and fourth lines,
dancing vigorously the while:

"It will take a dozen lawyers with their everlasting jaw:
It will take a dozen judges with their ever changing law"--

(Vigorous dancing for some moments), and then a pause, during which
Horatio, slightly stooping, placed two fingers of his left hand to the
side of his nose, and turning his eyes to the right, sang--

"And"--

Paused again, and finished vehemently as follows:

"Twenty golden guineas to decide!"

Then came the most enthusiastic hornpipe that ever was seen, and Horatio
was in the seventh Heaven of delight, when the door suddenly opened, and
Mr. Prigg entered!

It was unfortunate for Horatio that his back being towards the door he
could not see his master enter; and it need scarcely be said that the
noise produced by the dance prevented him from hearing his approach.

Mr. Prigg looked astounded at the sight that presented itself. The whole
verse was repeated, and the whole dance gone through again in the sight
and hearing of that gentleman. Was the boy mad? Had the strain of
business been too much for him?

As if by instinct Horatio at last became aware of his master's presence.
A change more rapid, transformation more complete I never saw. The lad
hung his head, and wandered to the chair where his coat was lying. It
took him some time to put it on, for the sleeves seemed somehow to be
twisted; at length, once more arrayed, and apparently in his right mind,
he stood with three-quarter face towards his astonished master.

Mr. Prigg did not turn his head even on this occasion. He preserved a
dignified silence for some time, and then spoke in a deep tragic tone:

"Horatio!"

Horatio did hot answer.

"What is the meaning of this exhibition, Horatio?"

"I was only having a little fun, sir," said the youthful clerk.

"I am not averse to youth enjoying itself," said Mr. Prigg; "but it must
be at proper seasons, and in appropriate places; there is also to be
exercised a certain discretion in the choice of those amusements in which
youth should indulge. I am not aware what category of recreation your
present exhibition may belong to, but I may inform you that in my humble
judgment--I may be mistaken, and you may know far better than I--but as
at present advised, I do not see that your late performance is consistent
with the duties of a solicitor's clerk." And then he muttered to
himself, "