The lord mayor’s voice then assumed a grave and solemn intonation, and every heart beat faster.
“In the name of our revered master and lawful sovereign, King Christian, we, the judges of the Supreme Court of the province of Throndhjem, summoned to decide in the cases of John Schumacker, prisoner of the State; Wilfred Kennybol, native of the Kiölen Mountains; Jonas, royal miner; Norbith, royal miner; Hans of Klipstadur, in Iceland; and Ordener Guldenlew, Baron Thorwick, Knight of the Dannebrog, all accused of high treason and leze-majesty in the first degree (Hans of Iceland being moreover charged with the crimes of murder, arson, and robbery), do find:—
“I. That John Schumacker is not guilty;
“II. That Wilfred Kennybol, Jonas, and Norbith are guilty, but are recommended to mercy, because they were led astray;
“III. That Hans of Iceland is guilty of all the crimes laid to his charge;
“IV. That Ordener Guldenlew is guilty of high treason and leze-majesty in the first degree.”
The judge paused an instant as if to take breath. Ordener fixed upon him a look of celestial joy.
“John Schumacker,” resumed the judge, “the court acquits you and remands you to prison;
“Kennybol, Jonas, and Norbith, the court commutes the penalty which you have incurred, to imprisonment for life, and a fine of one thousand crowns each;
“Hans of Klipstadur, murderer and incendiary, you will be taken this night to Munkholm parade-ground, and hanged by the neck until you are dead, dead, dead!