g down
into their seats, and evidently about to pay the greatest attention.
The cases in this midnight court seemed to be conducted on a decidedly
original plan, and with an easy rapidity that would have electrified any
other court, ancient or modern. Sir Norman took his stand, and eyed his
judges with a look half contemptuous, half defiant; and the proceedings
commenced by the dwarf a leaning forward and breaking into a roar of
laughter, right in his face.

"My little friend I warned you before not to be so facetious," said
Sir Norman, regarding him quietly; "a rush of mirth to the brain will
certainly be the death of you one of these day."

"No levity, young man!" interposed the lord chancellor, rebukingly;
"remember, you are addressing His Royal Highness Prince Caliban, Spouse,
and Consort of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Miranda!"

"Indeed! Then all I have to say, is, that her majesty has very bad taste
in the selection of a husband, unless, indeed, her wish was to marry
the ugliest man in the world, as she herself is the most beautiful of
women!"

Her majesty took not the slightest notice of this compliment, not so
much as a flatter of her drooping eye-lashes betrayed that she even
heard it, but his highness laughed until he was perfectly hoarse.

"Silence!" shouted the duke, shocked and indignant at this glaring
disrespect, "and answer truthfully the questions put to you. Your name,
you say, is Sir Norman Kingsley?"

"Yes. Has your grace any objection to it?"

His grace waved down the interruption with a dignified wave of the hand,
and went on with severe judicial dignity.

"You are the same who shot Lord Ashley between this and the city, some
hours ago?"

"I had the pleasure of shooting a highwayman there, and my only regret
is, I did not perform the same good office by his companion, in the
person of your noble self, before you turned and fled."

A slight titter ran round the room, and the duke turned crimson.

"These remarks are impertinent, and not to the purpose. You are the
murderer of Lord Ashley, let that suffice. Probably you were on your way
hither when you did the deed?"

"He was," said the dwarf, vindictively. "I met him at the Golden Crown
but a short time after."

"Very well, that is another point settled, and either of them is strong
enough to seal his death warrant. You came here as a spy, to see and
hear and report--probably you were sent by King Charles?"

"Probably--just think as