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.