HOW IT WAS DONE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 7, 13 February 1892, Page 168

HOW IT WAS DONE.

A good story is related of a member of the bar. He was ‘ long-winded' and when he arose to make an argument he didn’t know when to stop. On one occasion he was making a speech before the Judge. He had spoken several hours and the Judge and everybody else were thoroughly tired out, though they were helpless. At last Judge Ballard beckoned his brother Jack to him, and implored him to stop the council if he could. ‘ Oh, that’s easy enough,' replied the brother. * I’ll stop him inside of three minutes.' There was a great deal of curiosity to see how this could be accomplished, as the orator seemed to be nowhere near the end of his speech. Jack Ballard took a pencil and a sheet of paper and wrote : Mv Dear Colonel : As >oon as you finish your magnificent argument. I would like you to join me in the clerk's office in a bunn>er of fine old Bourbon whiskey. The note was handed to the orator, who paused at the end of a soaring period, drew his glasses from his pocket, and read the note. He put it in his pocket and said : ‘ And now, if you please, your Honor, and you, gentlemen of the jury, I leave the case with you.’ He picked up his hat and was in the clerk’s office in about a minute.