Mr. Gammon rose to the occasion and to his feet at one and the same time. He permitted the pleasing impression that Ridgwell had unconsciously created to have its full effect upon the Court, and upon everybody present with the exception of Mr. Learned Bore, whose countenance alone wore the disgusted and horrified expression that might have been expected had a great green toad been introduced into the witness-box. Mr. Learned Bore's countenance afforded a strange study of nausea struggling against outraged dignity. "Now, Ridgwell, do you see any one in Court that you know?" "Yes. Lal." "And will you tell us who Lal is?" purred Mr. Gammon. "Yes, Lal is the Pleasant-Faced Lion. There he is," said Ridgwell. "How do you know his name is Lal?" inquired Counsel winningly. "He told me so himself, it is short for Lionel. Lionel is his proper name." "And when did this Lion Lal first speak to you?" "Some weeks ago. The night I got lost in the fog." This was altogether too much for Mr. Dreadful, K.C. "My Lord," shouted that gentleman, as he bounded to his feet, "my Lord, I take this opportunity of protesting that the witness is not the only one who complains of being lost in the fog. I myself, my Lud, am completely lost owing to the same cause." "In that case," said the Judge, testily, "always keep quite still, and you will in time find out where you are." Titters in Court. "My Lord," roared Counsel for the defendant, "I protest!" The Judge interposing. "My learned friend, there is only one thing present in this Court that has a right to roar, and it is noticeable what a good example he sets you by refraining from doing so." (Amusement in Court.) "Kindly sit down. The little boy is giving his evidence very well indeed." "Am I to take this witness's evidence down, my Lord?" inquired the Judge's Clerk in a whisper. "Certainly, certainly," replied the Judge. "If a Hans Christian Andersen comes into Court, or sends a deputy, the evidence must be taken down, the same as anybody else's." "And now, Ridgwell," said Mr. Gentle Gammon, in his gentlest tones, "will you please tell us in your own way all that befell you when you became acquainted with the Pleasant-Faced Lion." For a considerable time the Learned Judge folded his claw-like thumbs and listened, and the Court sat amazed and stupefied whilst Ridgwell told of all the adventures that had befallen him after his acquaintance with Lal. First came the tournament, then his first ride home to Balham on the Lion's back. "Rather a long way, little man, eh?" suggested the Judge, affably. "He could never have been away so far from Trafalgar Square before. How did he find his way?" "Oh, he followed the tram-lines," said Ridgwell. Titters in Court. "Good indeed, a most admirable witness this," observed his Lordship. Then followed a simple but glowing description of the Pleasant-Faced Lion's wonderful evening party.