A Hasty Settlement


  "YOUR Honour," said an Attorney, rising, "what is the present 
status of this case - as far as it has gone?"

  "I have given a judgment for the residuary legatee under the will," 
said the Court, "put the costs upon the contestants, decided all 
questions relating to fees and other charges; and, in short, the 
estate in litigation has been settled, with all controversies, 
disputes, misunderstandings, and differences of opinion thereunto 
appertaining."

  "Ah, yes, I see," said the Attorney, thoughtfully, "we are making 
progress - we are getting on famously."

  "Progress?" echoed the Judge - "progress?  Why, sir, the matter is 
concluded!"

  "Exactly, exactly; it had to be concluded in order to give 
relevancy to the motion that I am about to make.  Your Honour, I 
move that the judgment of the Court be set aside and the case 
reopened."

  "Upon what ground, sir?" the Judge asked in surprise.

  "Upon the ground," said the Attorney, "that after paying all fees 
and expenses of litigation and all charges against the estate there 
will still be something left."

  "There may have been an error," said His Honour, thoughtfully - 
"the Court may have underestimated the value of the estate.  The 
motion is taken under advisement."