"The Chief Justice. What did he say?"
"He made many protestations of devotion to your Majesty, Sir, and to the Protestant Religion. He beat down the Catholics at every point. He permitted none of their witnesses to speak freely."
The King was silent a moment. Then he went on again.
"And the prisoners. How did they bear themselves?"
"They bore themselves like gallant gentlemen, Sir. They fought every point, so far as the Chief Justice would permit them."
"Did they shew any fear when the verdict was brought in?"
"None, Sir. They relied upon your Majesty's protection, no doubt."
Again His Majesty was silent. I still stood on the other side of the table from him, waiting to say what I had to say. The King shewed no sign of having heard what I had last said.
Then, to my astonishment he turned on me again very sharply.
"Mr. Mallock," he said, "I have a fault to find with you. Mr. Chiffinch tells me that you were followed from the Court, and that a fellow was asking after you at the gate. You say that you wish to serve me. Well, those who serve me must be very discreet and very shrewd. Plainly, you have not been so in this instance. You are a very young man; and I do not wish to be severe. But you must remember, Mr. Mallock, that such a thing as this must not happen any more."