of the leading counsel in the case, any instructions that may be

necessary during the progress of the trial. The occupants of this seat

are invisible to the great body of spectators, inasmuch as they sit on a

much lower level than either the barristers or the audience, whose

seats are raised above the floor. Of course they have their backs to

both, and their faces towards the judge.

That's the witness-box, I suppose?' said Mr Pickwick, pointing to a

kind of pulpit, with a brass rail, on his left hand.

That's the witness-box, my dear sir,' replied Perker, disinterring a

quantity of papers from the blue bag, which Lowten had just

deposited at his feet.

'And that,' said Mr Pickwick, pointing to a couple of enclosed seats on

his right, 'that's where the jurymen sit, is it not?'

The identical place, my dear Sir,' replied Perker, tapping the lid of his

snuff-box.

Mr Pickwick stood up in a state of great agitation, and took a glance at

the court. There were already a pretty large sprinkling of spectators in

the gallery, and a numerous muster of gentlemen in wigs, in the

barristers' seats, who presented, as a body, all that pleasing and

extensive variety of nose and whisker for which the Bar of England is

so justly celebrated. Such of the gentlemen as had a brief to carry,

carried it in as conspicuous a manner as possible, and occasionally

scratched their noses therewith, to impress the fact more strongly on

the observation of the spectators. Other gentlemen, who had no briefs

to show, carried under their arms goodly octavos, with a red label

behind, and that under-done-pie-crust-coloured cover, which is

technically known as 'law calf.' Others, who had neither briefs nor

books, thrust their hands into their pockets, and looked as wise as

they conveniently could; others, again, moved here and there with

great restlessness and earnestness of manner, content to awaken

thereby the admiration and astonishment of the uninitiated strangers.

The whole, to the great wonderment of Mr, Pickwick, were divided into

little groups, who were chatting and discussing the news of the day in

the most unfeeling manner possible - just as if no trial at all were

coming on.

A bow from Mr Phunky, as he entered, and took his seat behind the

row appropriated to the King's Counsel, attracted Mr Pickwick's

attention; and he had scarcely returned it, when Mr Serjeant Snubbin

appeared, followed by Mr Mallard, who half hid the Serjeant behind a

large crimson bag, which he placed on his table, and, after shaking

hands with Perker, withdrew. Then there entered two or three more

Serjeants; and among them, one with a fat body and a red face, who

The Pickwick Papers