A LEGAL ANECDOTE.

New Zealand Mail, 21 February 1901, Page 12

A LEGAL ANECDOTE.

The Warwickshire Assizes some years ago were held both at Coventry and Warwick, and only twelve miles apart. One bright August day at the conclusion of the Coventry business a closed carriage waited at the judge’s lodgings at Coventry to convey his lordship and his two clerks to Warwick. It was a warm afternoon, and the chief thought he would like to ride oti&side. “Coleman, ’ said he to his principal clerk, a singularly handsome old gentleman, who had' been with him all his life, “you and Stephen (Coleman’s son) ride inside, and I will go on the box. . But they mustn’t know I’m the judge as we go along. You? must do the judge, and mind you do it well.” The journey progressed prosperously. On arriving at Kenilworth, halfway to Warwick, the driver pulled up to water his horses. The hotel-keeper rushed out and inquired of the assumed servant on vt-he box “if his lordship inside” would take any refreshment. “My lord/’ said the Chief Baron, calling to his representative inside, “will your lordship be pleased to take anything here;?” Coleman, fully prepared: to carry out his.instructions to “do the judge well/' immediately answered/ /Ah, certainly, certainly; a bottle) of champagne, my good friend ; your best,. mind, your very best/’ The wine was- brought out with politeness;. Cdleman drank one glass, his spn another. “Give a glass to. my man the box,” said Coleman, “I dare say he is thirsty, and he will settle with you.” Afterwards, when at Warwick, Sir Frederick commended! the manner in which his clerk had carried but his instructions, but 'suggested that he had possibly a little overdone) it' with regard to the wine, and did not again ask * him to act so distinguished a part.