James Smith And Justice Holroyd
FORMERLY, it was customary, on emergencies, for the Judges to swear
affidavits at their dwelling-houses. Smith was desired by his father to
attend a Judge's chambers for that purpose; but being engaged to dine in
Russell Square, at the next house to Mr. Justice Holroyd's, he thought
he might as well save himself the disagreeable necessity of leaving the
party at eight, by despatching his business at once, so, a few minutes
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before six, he boldly knocked at the Judge's and requested to speak to
him on particular business. The Judge was at dinner, but came down
without delay, swore the affidavit, and then gravely asked what was the
pressing necessity that induced our friend to disturb him at that hour.
As Smith told his story, he raked his invention for a lie, but finding
none fit for the purpose, he blurted out the truth: The fact is, my
Lord, I am engaged to dine at the next house--and--and------And,
sir, you thought you might as well save your own dinner by spoiling
mine?--Exactly so, my Lord; but------Sir, I wish you a good
evening. Though Smith brazened the matter out, he said he never was
more frightened.