"On that day, and at that hour, I held a consultation in the library of Gray's Inn with my honourable friend the Master of the Rolls, here present. My secretary took notes of our conference, and was with us all that morning. The secretary in question was Mr. William Jefferay, the prisoner at the Bar!
A thrill of emotion passed through the Court at these words, and but for the august presence in which they stood, the air would have been rent with cheers. The accusers of William Jefferay, and those that sided with them (for there were some), were petrified with astonishment.
Yet even at that supreme moment Sir John observed that one of the halberdiers clutched the Pursuivant by the shoulder and began to whisper eagerly to him, whereat his master's woebegone face began to light up with a grim smile.
A sudden hush fell on the Court as the Earl of Arundel spoke.
"Call the Master of the Rolls;" and as Sir Philip Broke entered the witness-box, the Chancellor said, "Do you corroborate the evidence of the last witness?"
Sir Philip Broke, bowing low, said—
"In every detail, my Lord."
"Then it only remains for us to dismiss the case, and we do hereby dismiss it," said the Chancellor.
"My Lord," cried the Pursuivant, rising hastily in his place, "my Lord, in this case——"
But the Chancellor instantly silenced the speaker.