I am but accused of fidelity to that cause which some of my
prosecutors, as I see, did themselves at first submit to, and
afterwards betray."
At this there were loud murmurs in the court. The paper had fallen
from the face of Justice Hide. His brother justice was livid with
rage.
"What fellow is this?" said the latter judge, with obvious uneasiness.
"A dalesman from the mountains, did you say?"
"Dalesman or not, my lord, a cunning and dangerous man," replied
counsel.
"I see already that he is one who is ready to say anything to save his
miserable life."
"Brother Millet," interrupted the other judge, "you have rightly
observed that this is a court of his Gracious Majesty. Let us conduct
it as such."
There was a rustle of gowns before the table and some whispering in
the court.
"Mr. Ray, you have heard the indictment. It charges you as a false
traitor against his Most Gracious Majesty, your supreme and natural
lord. The course is for you to plead Guilty or Not Guilty."
"Have I no right to the General Pardon?" asked Ralph.
Pages:
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473