The Judge and the Plaintiff

A man of experience in business was awaiting the judgment of the court in a lawsuit he had brought against a railway company for damages. As he sat there, the door opened, and the judge entered the courtroom.

"Well," said the judge, "I am going to decide your case today. If I should rule in your favor, I wonder how you would express your satisfaction?"

"Sir," replied the man of experience in business, "I would risk your anger by offering you one half of the sum awarded."

"Did I say I was going to decide that case?" the judge responded abruptly, as if awakening from a daydream. "Dear me, how absent-minded I am. I mean, I have already decided it, and judgment has been entered for the full amount you sued for."

"Did I say I would give you one half?" the man of experience in business said coldly. "Dear me, how close I came to being a rascal. What I meant to say is that I am greatly obliged to you."