The hall of the Four Courts was a very pleasant lounge; plenty of agreeable fellows that never earned sixpence or were likely to do so.

Then the circuits were so many country excursions, that supplied fun of one kind or other, but no profit.

As for me, I was what was called a good junior.

I knew how to look after the waiters, to inspect the decanting of the wine and the airing of the claret, and was always attentive to the father of the circuit,--the crossest old villain that ever was a king's counsel.

These eminent qualities, and my being able to sing a song in honor of our own bar, were recommendations enough to make me a favorite, and I was one.
"Now, the reputation I obtained was pleasant enough at first, but I began to wonder that I never got a brief.