Evening star., 1898-12-10

the shoulder of the younger. His other
was set as usual in the silken belt which
he Wore about his waist, and he walked
carelessly with a high air and an easy step.
IKE one that goes into Il pleasant entertain
ment
But as soon as the brothers perceived in
whose presence they were an air of pride
came over their faces and stiffened their
hgures into the sterner aspect of warriors
who stand on the field of battle.
Some three PAGES before the steps of the
dais on which sat the self-constituted Judges
was arranged barrier of strong wooden
posts tipped with iron, and two soldiers
with drawn swords We're on guard at either
end.
The Dougiases stood silent haughtily
awaiting The first words of accusation. And
the face of young David was to the fun as
naughty and contemptuous as that of Earl
William himself,
1t was the chancellor who spoke first, in
his high, raSping creak.
William. Earl of Douglas and yCu Da-
vtd, master of Douglas" he began won
are summoned hither by the kings author
lty to answer for many crimes of treason
against his royal person. or rebellion and
the arming of forces also against his aII-
thority, of high speeches and studied con-
tempt of those who represent his sovereign
majesty in this realm, of trea asonable alli-
ances with rebel lords, and, above ALL of
swearing allegiance to another monarch,
even to the King of France. What have
you to say to these charges?'
The Earl of Douglas swept his eyes
across the dais from side to side with a
SLOW contempt, which made the chancellor
writhe in bis chair. Then, after a long
pause, he deigned to reply, but rather like
a King who grants favor than like
one accused before judges in whose hands
is the power of life and death.
Il see said he, 1.-TWO knights before me
on d high seat, one the kings tutor. the
other his pursebearer. / have yet to learn
who constituted them judges of any cause
w n Dtl-I,n r,+;I1 49,
Germs William Douglas, Duke of Touraine,
Earl of Douglas. hereditary lieutenant gov
ernor of the realm of Scotland
And he kept his eyes upon them with a
! straight forth-looking glance palpabIy en-
barrassng 10 the traitors on the dais
Earl Douglas" said the chancellor again
remember that You are not now in Castle
Thrieve. Your 5000 horsemen walt not in
humble and answer to the things whereof
you are accused. Do you desire that wit
nesses should be brought?"
of what need are witnesses? / owe no
court or jurisdiction. l have heard no ac-
cusations!' said the Earl William.
The chancellor motioned with his hand
Whereupon Master Robert Berry pro-
curator of the city. advanced and read a
long parchment which set forth in phrase
| and detail of legality twenty accusations
against the earl of treason, rebellion and
manifest oppression.
8. When he had fbished the chancellor said
answer
have you to these thiigs?'
Does 1t matter at all what l answer?'
asked the earl, succinctiy.
Il do not handy words with you, said
the chancellor. i order you to make your
pleading, or stand within your danger
And yet" said William Douglas gravely.
words are all that you dare handy with
me. Even If I had honored you by laying
aside my dignitiese and consented to break
lance with you, you would refuse to af-
ford me trial by battle which is the right
of every peer ACCUSED,
chancellor. I'VE will try your case upon its
merit" g 81
The earl laughed little mocking laugh.
ut will be somewhat safer" said he.
But haste you and get the sham done
with. 1 plead nothing. I do not even tell
you that you lie. What doth one expect of
a gutter dog but that 1t should void the
garbage 1t has devoured? But 1 do ask
you Marshal de Retz, as a brave soldier
and the representative of an honorable
king. what you have done with the Lady
Sybiila?'
The Marshal de Retz smiled-a smile so
chill, cruel, hard, that the very soldiers
on guard seeing it longed to- slay him on
the spot
May I ask my lord Earl of Douglas and
Duke of Touraine in return what is thu
to him?'' he said, with sneering emphasis
upon the titles.
1T matters to me-" replied William Doug
las, boldly, more than life. and almost as
much as honor. The Lady Sybilla did me
the honor to tell me that she loved me.