"And we ask," said Stenio, with a terrible voice, "we ask justice on the assassin! We demand it of God, the king, and the judges."
The tall stature of Stenio, his pallor heightened by anger, and the bloody arm he intentionally exposed, made such an impression on the spectators that a murmur of approbation ran round the room. More numerous voices, however, soon drowned it.
"Count Monte-Leone, have you prepared yourself to reply to these accusations, or have you chosen a defender?"
"I have."
"Name him," said the Grand Judge.
"My defender is Stenio Salvatori, my accuser."
Nothing could exceed the surprise caused by these words, not only in the minds of the three witnesses, but of the court and public.
"Count," said the Grand Judge, solemnly, "you must remember this accusation is a solemn one; that you are accused of two crimes, the punishment of which is known to you. Such an answer testifies your small respect to this court, and must injure a cause which needs to be ably defended."
"Signor," replied Monte-Leone, "it is because I recognize the great importance of the cause, that I confide to this man the duty of exonerating me from it. He alone can do so: his mouth alone, his lips, will demonstrate my innocence. Stenio Salvatori says, he saw me preside at the Venta of Pompeia."
"I did," said Stenio, rising again.