He shook my hand with mock solemnity, and, seating himself upon the edge of the table, proceeded to roll a cigarette with exasperating deliberation.
"I infer," said he, "that our learned brother is practising parlour magic upstairs, or peradventure he has gone on a journey ?" "He has a consultation this morning," I answered.

"Was he expecting you ?" "Evidently not, or he would have been here.

No, I just looked in to ask a question about the case of your friend Hornby.

You know it comes on for trial next week ?" "Yes; Thorndyke told me.

What do you think of Hornby's prospects?
Is he going to be convicted, or will he get an acquittal ?" "_He_ will be entirely passive," replied Anstey, "but _we_"-- here he slapped his chest impressively--"are going to secure an acquittal.