The president orders the sheriff to proclaim silence; and, after having reminded the audience that all expressions of approbation or disapprobation are strictly prohibited, he turns to the accused, and asks him,—
“Tell me your first names, your family name, your age, your profession, and your domicile.”
The accused replies,—
“Louis Trivulce Jacques de Boiscoran, twenty-seven years, land-owner, residing at Boiscoran, district of Sauveterre.”
“Sit down, and listen to the charges which are brought against you.”
The clerk, M. Mechinet, thereupon reads the charges, which, in their terrible simplicity, cause a shudder to pass through the whole audience.
We shall not repeat them here, as all the incidents which they relate are well known to our readers.
[Examination of the Accused.]
PRESIDENT.—Accused, rise and answer clearly. During the preliminary investigation, you have refused to answer several questions. Now the matter must be cleared up. And I am bound to tell you it is to your interest to answer frankly.
ACCUSED.—No one desires more than I do that the truth be known. I am ready to answer.