In this instance both the litigants appeared in person. The question in dispute was a right-of-way. _His Lordship._ Now, gentlemen, although you have elected to appear before me without any intermediary, I am bound to tell you that if the matter is carried further--to superior courts--you will find yourselves both landed in heavy costs. What do you say, Mr. JOHNSON? _Mr. Johnson_ (_one of the litigants_). Well, of course, my Lord, I don't want that; but if I win my cause, why Mr. THOMPSON will have to pay for us both. _His Lordship._ Come, come; I see there is a good deal of personal feeling in this matter. Take my advice and settle it amicably. I do not sit on this bench to encourage gambling, but if either of you has in his possession, what I believe was called by Mr. BOX in the case of _Box_ versus _Cox_, a "tossing" sixpence, you might come to an understanding in five minutes. I will wait until you have conferred with one another. The litigants upon this invitation held a consultation. _Mr. Johnson._ It is all right, my Lord. I called heads, and---- _His Lordship_ (_interrupting_). I don't want to hear anything about that so long as BOX and COX--I should say, JOHNSON and THOMPSON--are satisfied, the rest is immaterial. And now, is there any further business before me? His Lordship was informed that there were ten causes to be heard, and that all the parties were in attendance. _His Lordship._ Am I to understand that not only counsel but their clients are present. _Mr. Bands_ (_after consultation_). Certainly, my Lord. _His Lordship._ Then allow me to address them _en bloc_. Now I am quite sure that a few minutes' conversation amongst yourselves will set everything right. Commence with the very sensible assumption that anything is better than litigation, and see what comes of it. I will retire to my room to let you have a chat in comfort. When you are all ready, send for me. But mind, take my advice, and hold to the sensible assumption that anything is better than litigation. His Lordship then retired, and the parties interested acted upon his suggestion. After a quarter of an hour's conference the Judge was summoned into Court. _His Lordship._ Well, and what is the decision? _Mr. Bands_ (_in a melancholy tone_). May it please your Lordship all the cases have been settled out of court. _His Lordship._ So much the better. And now as I have cleared off my entire list, I bid you an affectionate farewell. The Court was then adjourned _sine die_. * * * * * SHAKSPEARE'S ADVICE AFTER THE L. C. C. ELECTION.--"Furnish out a Moderate Table."--_Timon of Athens_, Act III., Scene 4. * * * * * [Illustration: SO VERY NATURAL. _First Friend_ (_sympathetically_). "GOING STRONG, OLD CHAP?" _Second Friend_ (_preoccupied with recent elections_). "MODERATE. AND YOU?" _First Friend._ "UM--PROGRESSING."