oment. It was not
exact.

P.--Why did you tell a falsehood?

A.--(After an expression of indignation, which was noticed by all.) I
could not believe that I was in danger. It seemed to me impossible that
I should be reached by an accusation, which nevertheless, has brought
me into this court. Hence I did not deem it necessary to make my private
affairs public.

P.--But you very soon found out that you were in danger?

A.--Yes, I did.

P.--Why did you not tell the truth then?

A.--Because the magistrate who carried on the investigation had been too
intimate a friend of mine to inspire me with confidence.

P.--Explain yourself more fully.

A.--I must ask leave to say no more. I might, in speaking of M. Galpin,
be found to be wanting in moderation.

A low murmur accompanies this reply made by the accused.

P.--Such murmurs are improper, and I remind the audience of the respect
due to the court.

M. Gransiere, the prosecuting attorney, rises,--

"We cannot tolerate such recriminations against a magistrate who has
done his duty nobly, and in spite of the pain it caused him. If the
accused had well-founded objections to the magistrate, why did he not
make them known? He cannot plead ignorance: he knows the law, he is a
lawyer himself. His counsel, moreover, are men of experience."

M. Magloire replies, in his seat,--

"We were of the opinion that the accused ought to ask for a change of
venue. He declined to follow our advice, being confident, as he said,
that his cause was a good one."

M. Gransiere, resuming his seat,--

"The jury will judge of this plea."

P.--(To the accused.) And now are you ready to tell the truth with
regard to that business which prevented you from spending the evening
with your betrothed?

A.--Yes, sir. My wedding was to take place at the church in Brechy, and
I had to make my arrangements with the priest about the ceremony. I had,
besides, to fulfil certain religious duties. The priest at Brechy,
who is a friend of mine, will tell you, that, although no day had
been fixed, it had been agreed upon between us that I should come to
confession on one of the evenings of the week since he insisted upon it.

The audience, which had been expecting some very exciting revelations,
seemed to be much disappointed; and ironical laughter was heard in
various directions.

P.--(In a severe tone of voice.) This laughter is indecent and
objectionable. Sheriff, take out the persons who presum