trasting with
this dreadful stillness, pale lights might be seen flitting from time
to time through the ragged apertures, and vacant windows of the ruin.
Inside this dreary old building were those who, from the greater
respectability of their dress, appeared to be their leaders; men of
trust and authority among them, by whose will and opinions they were to
be guided. A table and chairs, provided on this occasion, were placed
for the transaction of business, and on these, after some proceedings,
conducted with a good deal of form, had been transacted, twelve
comfortably, if not well-dressed looking farmers sat, whilst on another
chair, considerably elevated above the rest, a person in the garb at
least of a gentleman, seemed to preside over, and regulate the business
of the night.

After a short silence, the judge asked, in an audible voice, if there
was any business to be brought before "The Court of Right," on that
occasion. He was immediately answered, in a solemn and almost melancholy
tone of voice, that there was a great deal of business before the court,
but that only one case, that of Captain Right against Purcel Senior and
sons, was for hearing and adjudication on that occasion.

On hearing the name of Purcel, the judge took from his pocket a broad,
blood-red ribbon, as did also each of the twelve farmers who constituted
the jury, and having tied it about his left arm, in which they imitated
him, he composed himself for the resumption of business. The ribbons
were a twofold symbol, signifying, in the first place, that the Purcels
had shed the blood of the people, and were to be tried for murder; and
in the second, that if found guilty, the sentence of Captain Right would
exact from them the fearful penalty of blood for blood. A compact, well
knit, and intelligent young man, about twenty-six years of age, now rose
up, and unrolling a long scroll of paper, read in a low but distinct
voice, a long and dark series of charges preferred by the aforesaid
Captain Right against the said Matthew Purcel and his sons. That person,
on this occasion, was the representative of Captain Right.

The judge then observed, that the charges must be proved to the
satisfaction of the jury, and called upon Captain Right's advocate to
substantiate them. It would spin out our description to a fatiguing
length, were we to go through all the cases of oppression, fraud, and
cruelty, that were brought home to the unfortunate proctor; against