"Such things may be," repeats Mr. Guppy, "or they may not be. They are no part of the case. It is enough to mention that both Mr. and Mrs. Snagsby are very willing to oblige me and that Snagsby has, in busy times, a good deal of copying work to give out. He has all Tulkinghorn's, and an excellent business besides. I believe if our mutual friend Smallweed were put into the box, he could prove this?"
Mr. Smallweed nods and appears greedy to be sworn.

"Snagsby has, in busy times, a good deal of copying work to give out," continues Mr. Guppy. "He has all Tulkinghorn's, and an excellent business besides, as Smallweed knows."
Mr. Smallweed nods.
