To this speech, delivered in the most approved nasal twang of the dissenting pulpit, and with many doleful moans and frightful contortions, Commissioner Sneesby listened with exemplary patience: so, indeed, did his learned brother-judge--but in this latter case it was with the eyes shut. The moment, however, the harangue was brought to an end, the eyes alluded to opened slowly and gazed rather vacantly around: but with judicial keenness, they speedily comprehended the exact stage of the proceedings; and the possessor of the sleepy optics forthwith began to consult with his coadjutor in solemn whispers. Their conversation ran somewhat in the ensuing manner:-- “It is getting on for one o’clock, and I begin to feel quite faint,” said the somniferous Commissioner. “A chop and a glass of sherry will do us each good,” observed Mr. Sneesby. “Bulliwell does make such long-winded speeches!” “Well--so he does: but I always pretend to listen to them--and thus he enjoys the reputation of having _the ear of the Court_.” “I am going to dine with Serjeant Splutterby this evening--and so I shall leave at about four o’clock.” “Very well,” said Mr. Commissioner Sneesby. “I shall sit till six. But what are we to do with this canting hypocrite of an Insolvent?” “Six months, I suppose: he is a dreadful villain.” “Yes--and while you were asleep he made a frightful long speech----” “Oh! in that case, then, let us give him a twelvemonth--and then for the chops and the sherry.” “Good: a twelvemonth--and then the chops and the sherry.” Mr. Commissioner Sneesby, having thus assented to the suggestions of his sleepy coadjutor, turned in a solemn manner towards Mr. Joshua Sheepshanks and addressed that miserable-looking creature in the following terms:-- “Insolvent, the Court has maturely deliberated upon your case. We have listened with deep attention to the evidence of the opposing creditors and the address of the learned counsel on their behalf. We have likewise followed you with equal care throughout your defence; and we feel ourselves bound to pronounce an adverse judgment. Your conduct has been most reprehensible--aggravated, too, by the fact that your offences have been committed under the cloak of religion. My learned brother agrees with me in the opinion that your proceedings have been most fraudulent. We might even use harsher terms; but we will forbear. The judgment of the Court is that you, Joshua Sheepshanks, be remanded at the suit of your three opposing creditors for the period of twelve calendar months from the date of your vesting order.” “Stand down, Insolvent!” cried the clerk. The discomfitted Mr. Sheepshanks raised his eyes and hands upwards, and gave vent to a hollow groan, which made the audience think for a moment that it was a ghost from the tomb who was passing through the Insolvents’ Court.