Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 10.pdf/207

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182
The Green Bag.

law bar; in fact, there have been very few causes cclcbres during his career as Queen's counsel, in which he was not briefed, and his portly figure and beaming face were almost daily to be seen in the courts. He made no pretension to be a learned lawyer or to be subtle in the technicalities of the law; but he

plaisant, yet obdurate, and in vain did the embryo juror urge all manner of reasons against his fitness to sit in judgment at an important trial. He was ill and had under gone domestic trouble, and he was certain that the dullness and dreariness of a day's sitting in court would exercise the most

SIR FRANK LOCKWOOD AND SIR EDWARD CLARKE.

was keen, clever and accomplished, a skill ful tactician, and a hard fighter. When he was known to be on his feet, the hangerson in other courts hurried in to hear him, while there was no one who was so constant a source of pleasure and entertainment to the younger members of the bar. The story is told of a countryman who was summoned upon a special jury, and who tried his utmost before the list was called to obtain exemp tion from service. The usher was com-

delcterious influence upon his health, and unfit him for the proper discharge of his duties. The usher innocently observed, "Oh! Sir Frank Lockwood is in this case, and he's sure to make you laugh." " But I don't want to laugh," cried the imaginary invalid. " Can't help you, sir," rejoined the official; " you are regularly summoned, and I have no power to let you off." The victim went into the box resignedly, and later in the day — for Sir Frank was in his best