Geoffery Gambado Part 12

"Because of his dyspeptic habits."

"Did they not almost amount to monomania?"

"I considered that at times they did."

"Was he not very splenetic?"

"Very."

"I ask you, if he has not, in the neighbourhood of Blackheath, the character of being very litigious?"

"He is very unpopular."

"He quarrels with everybody?"

"He makes himself conspicuous for finding fault with all transgressors of the law."

"Is he not very angry?"

"He is very easily provoked."

"Now, sir, I think, when you proposed to consult Doctor Gambado, that he objected?"

"He did so."

"Upon what grounds?"

"Upon grounds that would, if true, disqualify any medical man, for professional consistency."

"What were these grounds?"

"He said he was a mere horse dealer,--that he would give him advice to ride on horseback, and would sell him a horse to do so."

"Did you believe his a.s.sertion?"

"No. I not only doubted it; but stoutly contradicted it."

"You had a better opinion of Doctor Gambado?"

"I had."

"Now, sir, did not your friend actually say to you, that he would have the fellow up, meaning Doctor Gambado, for being a horse dealer without a licence?"

"He did."

"Did he not go to the Doctor with that intent?"

"I verily believe he did; but I certainly did not accompany him with any such intent."

"You recommended him purely for his health?"

"I did; and, moreover, I paid the Doctor's fee, upon the promise that he would follow the Doctor's advice."

"Are Mr. Deuce's habits penurious?"

"Extremely so."

"Then how comes he to be so litigious?"

"He finds that costs him very little, if any thing in the end."

"He considers, then, in this case, that my client will be mulcted in costs?"

"I have no doubt he does."

"Were you present when he consulted Doctor Gambado?"

"I was."

"What was his advice?"

"Ride on horseback."

"Did you consider that good advice?"

"I did."

"What question did your friend put to the Doctor about the horse?"

"He asked him, '_Have you got a horse that will suit me?_'"

"What was his reply?"

"There is a fine strong horse in my stables, that I think would suit you."

"Are you sure that was his reply?"

"Quite sure."

"Did you consider that reply as affixing the owners.h.i.+p of the horse to himself?"

"I confess that I did so."

"Did you see any triumphant glance, or recognition of Mr. Deuce's sagacity, at having fulfilled the declaration of the accuser, that he was a horse dealer?"

"Yes, I did."

"Did you think the horse was the Doctor's own?"