 he trusted for their own character,
they did) did they know the historical and elevating associations connected with
that most remarkable spot? Did they believe that a man like Brass could reside
in a place like Bevis Marks, and not be a virtuous and most upright character?
And when he had said a great deal to them on this point, he remembered that it
was an insult to their understandings to make any remarks on what they must have
felt so strongly without him, and therefore called Sampson Brass into the
witness - box, straightway.
    Then up comes Mr. Brass, very brisk and fresh; and, having bowed to the
judge, like a man who has had the pleasure of seeing him before, and who hopes
he has been pretty well since their last meeting, folds his arms, and looks at
his gentleman as much as to say »Here I am - full of evidence - Tap me!« And the
gentleman does tap him presently, and with great discretion too; drawing off the
evidence by little and little, and making it run quite clear and bright in the
eyes of all present. Then, Kit's gentleman takes him in hand, but can make
nothing of him; and after a great many very long questions and very short
answers, Mr. Sampson Brass goes down in glory.
    To him succeeds Sarah, who in like manner is easy to be managed by Mr.
Brass's gentleman, but very obdurate to Kit's. In short, Kit's gentleman can get
nothing out of her but a repetition of what she has said before (only a little
stronger this time, as against his client), and therefore lets her go, in some
confusion. Then, Mr. Brass's gentleman calls Richard Swiveller, and Richard
Swiveller appears accordingly.
    Now, Mr. Brass's gentleman has it whispered in his ear that this witness is
disposed to be friendly to the prisoner - which, to say the truth, he is rather
glad to hear, as his strength is considered to lie in what, is familiarly termed
badgering. Wherefore, he begins by requesting the officer to be quite sure that
this witness kisses the book, and then goes to work at him, tooth and nail.
    »Mr. Swiveller,« says this gentleman to Dick, when he had told his tale with
evident reluctance and a desire to make the best of it: »Pray, sir, where did
you dine yesterday?« - »Where did I dine yesterday?« - »Aye, sir, where did you
dine yesterday - was
