Nothing is final in law, while there is a farthing to meet the costs, or the criminal can yet gasp.

I hold our case to be in an excellent way; much better than I have deemed it at any time since the accused was arraigned." Surprise left me no other power than that which was necessary to demand an explanation.
"All depends on the single fact, dear sir," continued my brother Downright, "whether the head is still on the body of the accused or not.
Do you proceed, as fast as possible, to the place of execution; and, should our client still have a head, keep up his spirits by a proper religious discourse, always preparing him for the worst, for this is no more than wisdom; but, the instant his tail is separated from his body, run hither as fast as you can, to apprise me of the fact.

I ask but two things of you--speed in coming with the news, and perfect certainty that the tail is not yet attached to the rest of the frame, by even a hair.

A hair often turns the scales of justice!" "The case seems desperate--would it not be as well for me to run down to the palace, at once; demand an audience of their majesties, throw myself on my knees before the royal pair, and implore a pardon ?" "Your project is impracticable, for three sufficient reasons: firstly, there is not time; secondly, you would not be admitted without a special appointment; thirdly, there is neither a king nor a queen!" "No king in Leaphigh!" "I have said it." "Explain yourself, brother Downright, or I shall be obliged to refute what you say, by the evidence of my own senses." "Your senses will prove to be false witnesses then.

Formerly there was a king in Leaphigh, and one who governed, as well as reigned.