The Columbian fountain., 1846-03-12

D. c.. THURSDAY, MARCH l2, 1916.

pered something to one OF those who stood
near him, which caused him Instantly TO quit
the court by the side door.
GAS to the singing within the fair, - con-
tinued Dutton, it must be proved that the
girl sung for hire or wages"
"Now, master lawyer" said Glanville,
with look of sneering lnockefy, ''you are
very learned; but we have power to com
NIT all lewd and disordery persons, and as
such, commit her. Take her away, consta-
bles. We will deal with the lawyer anon.
We have power to commit, | say, all lewd
and disorderly persons"
"All we have power to appear" replied
Dutton, "to the court of the Earl Of Ches-
ter, and, failing justice therein, to the
Kings court at Westminster 6 But
bail !! we must have bail" cried the Judge !;
and for your own offence,'' he continued,
he who draws sword in strife within
the limits of Chester fair or strikes an off,
Ger Of the Pied-poudre Court, forfeits his
hand without appeal. Now, officers, seize
him toon'
The latter words were addressed, not
only to the persons who had surrendered
him at first, but to number of stout men
also, who apparently sent for in haste, had
just entered the court from the side.
"Stay, stay ~ cried Dutton, in tone
of some affected alarm. Let me hear that
again. Is there no appeal?"
"None, none!" thundered the Judge.
els there no exemption ~ demanded
Dutton. "Are there none can plead ex-
ception to the law?
"None but clerks ecclesiastic ~ cried
Granville, switch you declared yourself
not to be. None but clerks ecclesiastic,
/ say"
"And the High Steward of Chester ~
cried Dutton, throwing off the iddler's
cloak, and casting back his hood at the
same time, while loud shout that made
the whole hall ring, as if the roof would
fall, burst from the people.
gay Roger Dutton! Gods blessing on
the noble Steward! Foul fall the Judge,
and Dutton for ever 20 burst from hum
dred lips, while the clerks and constables
Of the Pied-poudre Court looked extremely
blank and chop-fallen. Not SO, however,
the Judge, who trembling with rage and
anger, fixed his eyes fiercely upon Dutton,
tearing roll of paper which he held in
his hands, in two, in the mad excitement
Of passion.
/ aJohn Glanville, thou art luxurious
knave !" cried Roger Dutton, "and shrewd
lawyer as thou art, thou hast overshot thy
mark. This poor girl shall not be given
up to thee. Twill be her ball."
"Ah, Roger Dutton, Roger Dutton %
cried the Judge; "what, one leman more
But will not take the bail thou art a
party to the cause. | must have three
sufficient securities. Take her away, con-
stables | charge you, by my authority,
take her away: and if he hinders you by
wagging finger in this court, will COM
nit him, though dare not touch him in
life or members"
A slight shade Of doubt and hesitation
passed over Dutton's face, for he knew that
the Judge had now law, though not Justice,
on his side, and there was but one re-
source-to make might support right, what
ever the law might say. He whispered a
word then to Allan, the harper, who in
stantly seemed to pass it to the people
near, and then moved himself towards the
door, while Dutton exclaimed in loud
voice, "rake notice, every one, that he
refuses the bail Of the High Steward, upon
a false pretence! If justice be not done,
we must do justice to ourselves. Stand
back, my men--stand back! Once more,
Glanville, offer you my bail. Lay finger
on her, if you dare, Nicholas Rouse. You
know Roger Dutton!"
| /T,D be continued J