I had begun to see that the discussion might lead to argument, argument to comparisons between the two species, and something like an esprit de corps was stirring within me.

It now struck me that a question might be fairly raised as to the propriety of Dr.Reasono's appearing with THREE backers, while I had but ONE.

The objection was therefore urged on my part, I hope, in a modest and conciliatory manner.

In reply, my Lord Chatterino observed, it was true the protocol spoke in general terms of mutual supporters, but if-- "Sir John Goldencalf would be at the trouble of referring to the instrument itself, he would see that the backers of Dr.Reasono were mentioned in the plural number, while that of Sir John himself was alluded to only in the singular number." "Perfectly true, my lord; but you will, however, permit me to remark that two monikins would completely fulfil the conditions in favor of Dr.
Reasono, while he appears here with three; there certainly must be some limits to this plurality, or the Doctor would have a right to attend the interview accompanied by all the inhabitants of Leaphigh." "The objection is highly ingenious, and creditable in the last degree to the diplomatic abilities of Sir John Goldencalf; but, among monikins, two females are deemed equal to only one male, in the eye of the law.
Thus, in cases which require two witnesses, as in conveyances of real estate, two male monikins are sufficient, whereas it would be necessary to have four female signatures, in order to give the instrument validity.

In the legal sense, therefore, I conceive that Dr.Reasono is attended by only two monikins." Captain Poke hereupon observed that this provision in the law of Leaphigh was a good one; for he often had occasion to remark that women, quite half the time, did not know what they were about; and he thought, in general, that they require more ballast than men.
"This reply would completely cover the case, my lord," I answered, "were the protocol purely a monikin document, and this assembly purely a monikin assembly.