"Have you no one to defend you?" asked the judge, turning towards Paul. And even then both of them felt the incongruity of the situation.
"No," replied Paul.
"But I advise you very seriously to accept counsel for defence."
"No," replied Paul. "I wish no one." His voice rang out clearly in the hall, even although he spoke in low tones. No one seemed to breathe. What could be the meaning of such an attitude?
Again Judge Bolitho spoke:
"I repeat," he said, and his voice was very solemn, "that you will be wise if you accept someone for defence. Mr. Langefield, now?" and he nodded towards the man who had that same morning regretted Paul's obstinacy in not securing his services.
"No," said Paul. "I must decline your lordship's suggestion. What defence is offered I will offer myself."
"Of course this is not usual," said the judge. "And I think it my duty to tell you that you will have a perfect right to cross-examine any witness who may be called."
"Thank you, my lord."
The counsel for the prosecution here rose to address the jury and to give a statement of the case. This he did in a lengthy speech, a speech which showed that he had not only thoroughly studied the facts, but had gone to some trouble to trace Paul's history.