I ask for counsel," said Ralph; "I can
pay." "You seem to be versed in proceedings of law, young man,"
replied the judge, with an undisguised sneer.

The paper dropped below the mouth.

"Mr. Ray," said Justice Hide, in a friendly tone, "the course is that
you should plead."

"I stand charged, my lord, with no crime. How, then, shall I plead?"

"Mr. Ray," said the judge again, "I am sorry to interrupt you. I hold
that a man in your position should have every leniency shown to him.
But these discourses are contrary to all proceedings of this nature.
Will you plead?"

"He _must_ plead, brother; there is no _will you?_" rejoined the other
occupant of the bench.

The paper went up over the eyes once more. There was some laughter
among the men before the table.

"He thinks it cheap to defy the court," said counsel for the King.

"Brother Millet," said Justice Hide, "when a prisoner at the bar would
plead anything in formality, counsel should be allowed."

"Oh, certainly, certainly," replied the judge, recovering his suavity.
Then turning to Ralph, he said,--

"What is the point of law you urge?"

"What I am accused of doing," replied Ralph, "was done under the
command of the Parliament, when the Parliament was the supreme power."

"Silence, sir," cried Justice Millet. "The Parliament was made up of a
pack of usurpers with a low mechanic fellow at their head. Gentlemen,"
turning with a gracious smile to the jury, "you will remember what I
said."

"The Parliament was appointed by the people," replied Ralph quietly,
"and recognized by foreign princes."

"It was only a third part of the constitution."

"It did not live in a corner. The sound of it went out among many
nations."

Ralph still spoke calmly. The spectators held their breath.

"Do you know where you are, sir?" cried the judge, now grown scarlet
with anger. "You are in the court of his Majesty the King. Would you
have the boldness here, before the faces of the servants of that
gracious Prince, to justify your crimes by claiming for them the
authority of usurpers?" "I am but charged," replied Ralph, "with
putting my hand to that plough which all men were then compelled to
follow. 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 w