denies there being any ground or pretence whatever for the action

against him; and that unless he came into court with clean hands,

and without the most conscientious conviction that he was right in

resisting the plaintiff's demand, he would not be there at all. I believe I

state your views correctly; do I not, my dear Sir?' said the little man,

turning to Mr Pickwick.

'Quite so,' replied that gentleman.

Mr Serjeant Snubbin unfolded his glasses, raised them to his eyes;

and, after looking at Mr Pickwick for a few seconds with great

curiosity, turned to Mr Perker, and said, smiling slightly as he spoke -

'Has Mr Pickwick a strong case?'

The attorney shrugged his shoulders.

Do you propose calling witnesses?'

No.'

The smile on the Serjeant's countenance became more defined; he

rocked his leg with increased violence; and, throwing himself back in

his easy-chair, coughed dubiously.

These tokens of the Serjeant's presentiments on the subject, slight as

they were, were not lost on Mr Pickwick. He settled the spectacles,

through which he had attentively regarded such demonstrations of the

barrister's feelings as he had permitted himself to exhibit, more firmly

on his nose; and said with great energy, and in utter disregard of all

Mr Perker's admonitory winkings and frownings -

'My wishing to wait upon you, for such a purpose as this, Sir,

appears, I have no doubt, to a gentleman who sees so much of these

matters as you must necessarily do, a very extraordinary

circumstance.'

The Serjeant tried to look gravely at the fire, but the smile came back

again.

Gentlemen of your profession, Sir,' continued Mr Pickwick, 'see the

worst side of human nature. All its disputes, all its ill-will and bad

blood, rise up before you. You know from your experience of juries (I

mean no disparagement to you, or them) how much depends upon

effect; and you are apt to attribute to others, a desire to use, for

purposes of deception and Self-interest, the very instruments which

you, in pure honesty and honour of purpose, and with a laudable

desire to do your utmost for your client, know the temper and worth of

so well, from constantly employing them yourselves. I really believe

The Pickwick Papers