On inquiry at the office of Mr. Ebsworth, solicitor, who acted for Mr. Ponting throughout the protracted litigation, and for Mrs. Kilpatrick during the recent portion of it, we learn that the figures, as stated by Mr. Ponting, are, approximately correct. It is true that during the course of the proceedings Mr. Ponting had to find about £75 to meet current cost, and that Mrs. Kilpatrick was, during the three years’ litigation, called upon to pay about £200. These sums may be taken as representing the difference in costs between solicitors and client and the taxed costs; and considering the protracted nature of the proceedings, the sums mentioned will be considered very reasonable in the present state of the rules of the Supreme Court regarding costs. That the lawyers received £1075 will not be regarded as surprising, when it is remembered that there were several trials and appeals, extending over three years; and that there were numerous witnesses to be paid out of that sum, in addition to the witnesses’ fees remaining to be paid when the settlement took place. Counsel’s fees would also swallow up a considerable amount. Taken altogether, the case is one that well illustrates the present cost of litigation, and might be advantageously taken into consideration as an object-lesson by the Law Commission when it enters upon its investigations. * * * * * And now this strange, eventful history must be brought to a close. I have endeavoured, from first to last, to adhere to proved facts, irrespective of the opinions of friends or foes. Life is, after all, a mixture of sweets and sours, and we have to take these as they come in the shape of praise or blame, as the case may be. No matter what line of writing a man may adopt, it is quite impossible for him to please everybody. This being so, the proper plan, in my estimation, is to carry out _Ovid’s_ advice:— “In a familiar style your thoughts convey, And write such things as, present, you would say.” I began this book by relating Ponting’s wonderful escape from the waves, and I finish it with his, quite as wonderful, escape from the lawyers! My sincerest wish for him is that he may never again be called upon to battle with either of them. Farewell! [Illustration: Decoration] _Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury._ [Illustration: TESTIMONIAL GIVEN TO MR. PONTING BY THE PEOPLE OF MELBOURNE AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.] = BOSISTO’S = “Parrot Brand” EUCALYPTUS OIL The World-famed Household Remedy ——FOR—— Influenza, Coughs, Colds, Chest Complaints, Rheumatism AND ALL Painful Affections. [Illustration: PARROT BRAND TRADE MARK REGISTERED] CAUTION.—Beware of the many inferior, and in numerous cases adulterated, Eucalyptus Oils now being offered for sale, which are not only worthless, but harmful to use. Small quantities may be had from ROBERT PONTING, (LATE OF MELBOURNE).