s of his client, which was a sufficient number of horse-power for
anything, but like an outraged and insulted gentleman, which was more
after the force of hydraulic pressure than any calculable amount of
horse-power. It was clear to his upright and sensitive mind that Snooks
was a low creature. Consequently all professional courtesies were at an
end: the writ was issued and duly served upon the uncompromising Snooks.
Now a writ is not a matter to grin at and to treat with contempt or
levity. Mr. Snooks could not return that document to Mr. Prigg, so he
had to consider. And first he consulted his wife: this consultation led
to a domestic brawl and then to his kicking one of his horses in the
stomach. Then he threw a shovel at his dog, and next the thought
occurred to him that he had better go and see Mr. Locust. This gentleman
was a solicitor who practised at petty sessions. He did not practise
much, but that was, perhaps, his misfortune rather than his fault. He
was a small, fiery haired man, with a close cut tuft of beard; small
eyes, and a pimply nose, which showed an ostentatious disdain for
everything beneath it.

Mr. Locust was not at home, but would return about nine. At nine,
therefore, the impatient Snooks appeared.

"Yes," said Mr. Locust, as he looked at the writ, "I see this writ is
issued by Mr. Prigg."

"Yes, sir."

"Did he not write to you before issuing it?--dear me, this is very sharp
practice--very sharp practice: the sharpest thing I ever heard of in all
my life."

"Wull, he did write, but I giv un as good as he sent."

"Dear me!" exclaimed Mr. Locust; "I am afraid you have committed
yourself."

"No I beant, sir," said the cunning Snooks, with a grin, "no I beant."

"You should never write without consulting a solicitor--bear that in
mind, Mr. Snooks; it will be an invaluable lesson--hem!"

"I never writ, sir--I ony sent un his letter back."

"Ah!" said Locust, "come now, that is better; but still you should have
consulted me. I see this claim is for three hundred and fifty
pounds--it's for trespass. Now sit down quietly and calmly, and tell me
the facts." And then he took pen and paper and placed himself in
position to take his retainer and instructions.

"Wull, sir, it is as this: a Sunday mornin--no, a Sunday mornin week--I
won't tell no lie if I knows it--a Sunday mornin week--"

"Sunday morning week," writes Locust.

"I buyd a pig off this ere man for nine and six: well