But the next moment two of Ernest's statements came flashing into my consciousness: "The company employs very efficient lawyers" and "Colonel Ingram is a shrewd lawyer." I did some rapid thinking.

It dawned upon me that of course the company could afford finer legal talent than could a workingman like Jackson.

But this was merely a minor detail.

There was some very good reason, I was sure, why Jackson's case had gone against him.
"Why did you lose the case ?" I asked.
The lawyer was perplexed and worried for a moment, and I found it in my heart to pity the wretched little creature.

Then he began to whine.