But the generous young friend rose, and pushing his batch of papers to Mr. Catspaw, he declared that nothing could induce him to take a part in the proceedings, which he went to the length of designating as an act of judicial tyranny.
This bold declaration called forth a fresh torrent of abuse.
"Disgraceful!" cried Mr. Skinner.
"It's infamous!" said Zatonyi.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, sir!" snarled Mr. Catspaw.
"Gentlemen," said Völgyeshy, when their frantic rage had in a manner subsided, "I meant no offence to any of you. Allow me to explain what I said."
"Explain? What the devil do you mean to explain, sir?" cried Zatonyi. "Do you mean to say, sir, that we are murderers? Are you aware that you have no vote? To insult the judges is an infamous act; d—n you, sir, you're infamous, sir!"
"Yes!" said the Baron; "let us pass a resolution to that effect."
"Do you mean to do it by court-martial?" asked Völgyeshy, with a scornful smile.
"Yes, sir! In any way, sir! I'm sure I don't care. Whoever insults the judges or the court is infamous! That's written law, sir! it's in the corpus juris. And you'll find it law, sir, and to your cost, sir!"