eu and
several civil functionaries.

The duke was in full uniform, his face a little more crimson, and his
air a trifle more haughty than usual.

"The session is open!" pronounced the Duc de Sairmeuse, the president.

Then, in a rough voice, he added:

"Bring in the culprits."

He had not even the grace to say "the accused."

They came in, one by one, to the number of twenty, and took their places
on the benches at the foot of the platform.

Chanlouineau held his head proudly erect, and looked composedly about
him.

Baron d'Escorval was calm and grave; but not more so than when, in days
gone by, he had been called upon to express his opinion in the councils
of the Empire.

Both saw Maurice, who was so overcome that he had to lean upon the abbe
for support. But while the baron greeted his son with a simple bend of
the head, Chanlouineau made a gesture that clearly signified:

"Have confidence in me--fear nothing."

The attitude of the other prisoners betrayed surprise rather than fear.
Perhaps they were unconscious of the peril they had braved, and the
extent of the danger that now threatened them.

When the prisoners had taken their places, the chief counsel for the
prosecution rose.

His presentation of the case was characterized by intense violence, but
lasted only five minutes. He briefly narrated the facts, exalted the
merits of the government, of the Restoration, and concluded by a demand
that sentence of death should be pronounced upon the culprits.

When he ceased speaking, the duke, addressing the first prisoner upon
the bench, said, rudely:

"Stand up."

The prisoner rose.

"Your name and age?"

"Eugene Michel Chanlouineau, aged twenty-nine, farmer by occupation."

"An owner of national lands, probably?"

"The owner of lands which, having been paid for with good money and made
fertile by labor, are rightfully mine."

The duke did not wish to waste time on discussion.

"You have taken part in this rebellion?" he pursued.

"Yes."

"You are right in avowing it, for witnesses will be introduced who will
prove this fact conclusively."

Five grenadiers entered; they were the men whom Chanlouineau had held at
bay while Maurice, the abbe, and Marie-Anne were entering the carriage.

These soldiers declared upon oath that they recognized the accused; and
one of them even went so far as to pronounce a glowing eulogium upon
him, declaring him to be a solid fellow, of remarkable courage.