AN OLD FASHIONED LAW OFFICE
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thing over one thousand dollars) had been On one occasion Sutcliffe came to my desk, paid by the parents of each of these young looked at the book I was intent upon, fellows for the privilege of reading law in voiced his disapproval of it, and mentioned this most reputable of offices. Their studies, others which were "worth while." When he however, seemed to be almost entirely con had finished I could have — given the liter fined to wine, women, and horses. Now ary ability — written an exhaustive treatise and then the governor would question them on "Cornish Oaths, Ancient and Modern." on what books they were reading, and would "Did you buy this trash? " he asked. recommend their following up certain cases, I nodded. He glanced at the gaudy and as the examinations approached they paper cover and noted the price — three would make some attempt to "cram." pence. Then he pulled a silver sixpence One of these men, Sutcliffe, of Cornish from his pocket, threw it on the desk, and descent, had studied for the Church, his walked off with my book, and read it him family having a fine living at their disposal, self! Three years ago I met Luke Collett, one but some escapades of his had carried him even beyond the pale of a sporting parson time assistant to a stationer in Chancery and he was transferred to the law. Often Lane, and with whom I had been on inti would he come over to my desk and give me mate terms. He came to the states a few advice. His precepts were excellent, his years later than myself, and when I met language fearful. He would garnish the him he had just returned from a visit to his noblest sentiments with the lowest pro old home. He had walked through the fanity, his eyes twinkling with amusement Square and the Fields, and found but little the while at my horror of it. He called it change. The old pump was there, with a new generation of office boys filling pitchers. "winding up the infant." When the long vacation came, that ten He called at the old office and noted a new weeks' stretch when the courts were closed sign on the door. It now read, Pierce, and judges and counsellors had gone to Boulton, Fielding and Robbins. The chief seaside and mountain, there was little clerk had been taken into partnership. In to do in the office. There were many days side there were few changes. Mr. Boulton had gone to the court of last resort. Mr. when not a pen was dipped in the ink. The Governor was touring Europe or Robbins had expanded in girth and dignity, perhaps yachting with some wealthy client. and of the old clerks two were still discus The clerks would assemble in a back room sing the races behind the high partitions. playing cards, smoking, and discussing In the well-known corner on its rack slumbered the record box of Gridson v. sporting events during the entire day, keep ing me fairly busy getting a big pitcher Gridson. They were expecting the case to filled with "double stout," or "Bass." be called at the next term or the term after. Many were the pennies which came my way The little charwoman had married, and the in those days, and that they were not always boys had chipped in for a suitable wedding ill spent can be proven by several treasured gift. A "new" old charwoman was sweep books in my little library, with the dates ing out the dust and cobwebs within her of purchases corresponding to those long reach; beyond it fresh accumulations were vacations. I was an insatiable reader, adding to those of a century. devouring good or bad it as came my way. LYNN, MASS., April, 1906.
