The Deceased and his Heirs

  A MAN died leaving a large estate and many sorrowful relations who
claimed it.  After some years, when all but one had had judgment¹
given against them, that one was awarded the estate, which he asked
his Attorney to have appraised².

  "There is nothing to appraise," said the Attorney, pocketing his
last fee.

  "Then," said the Successful Claimant, "what good has all this
litigation done me?"

  "You have been a good client to me," the Attorney replied,
gathering³ up his books and papers, "but I must say you betray a
surprising ignorance of the purpose of litigation."