“Have mercy, have mercy, and leave me alone,” said Philip.
“I didn't mean to offend you, Christian,” said the Clerk.
Philip put one hand affectionately on his shoulder. The eyes of the robustious fellow began to blink, and he returned to his colleagues.
There was a confused murmur beyond the farther wall of the room. It was the room kept for the Deemster when he held court in the council chamber. One of its two doors communicated with the bench. As usual, a constable kept this door. The man loosened his chain and removed his helmet. His head was grey.
“Is the Court-house full?” asked Philip.
The constable put his eye to the eye-hole. “Crowded, your Excellency.
“Keep the passages clear.”—“Yes, your Excellency.”
“Is the Clerk of the Court present?”—“He is, your Excellency.”
“And the jailor?”—“Downstairs, your Excellency.”
“Tell both they will be wanted.”