"That right I waive. The man who will defend me will know his grave mission only when called on in the face of the supreme tribunal to fulfil it."
The Grand Judge looked with amazement at Monte-Leone. "Why, Signor, cannot he be informed of his grave duty?"
"God forbid he should!"
"Why?"
"Because in that case I would lose my cause." The Count laughed.
"Act then, Signor, as you please. Strange and whimsical as your conduct is, I have no authority to speak of its advantages and disadvantages."
He bowed to Monte-Leone and withdrew.
"He is mad," said he, as he was leaving Castello Capuano.
"He is a fool," said Monte-Leone, as the Grand Judge left. "He did not understand that one defends himself from the effects of a crime committed, but not when no crime has been committed."