“He must plead, brother; there is no will you?” rejoined the other occupant of the bench.
The paper went up over the eyes once more. There was some laughter among the men before the table.
“He thinks it cheap to defy the court,” said counsel for the King.
“Brother Millet,” said Justice Hide, “when a prisoner at the bar would plead anything in formality, counsel should be allowed.”
“Oh, certainly, certainly,” replied the judge, recovering his suavity. Then turning to Ralph, he said,—
“What is the point of law you urge?”
“What I am accused of doing,” replied Ralph, “was done under the command of the Parliament, when the Parliament was the supreme power.”
“Silence, sir,” cried Justice Millet. “The Parliament was made up of a pack of usurpers with a low mechanic fellow at their head. Gentlemen,” turning with a gracious smile to the jury, “you will remember what I said.”
“The Parliament was appointed by the people,” replied Ralph quietly, “and recognized by foreign princes.”
“It was only a third part of the constitution.”