Ralph did not reply at once. He looked calmly around. Then, in a firm voice, without a trace of emotion, he said,—
“I claim exemption under the Act of Oblivion.”
There was a murmur of inquiry.
“That will avail you nothing,” replied the judge who had delivered the charge. “The Act does not apply to your case. You must plead Guilty or Not Guilty.”
“Have I no right to the benefit of the Act of Oblivion?”
The clerk rose again.
“Are you Guilty or Not Guilty?”
“Have I liberty to move exceptions to the indictment?”
“You shall have the liberty that any subject can have,” replied Justice Millet. “You have heard the indictment read, and you must plead, Guilty or Not Guilty.”
The paper had again gone up before the face of Justice Hide.