e to announce to you, as the
law requires, that you will appear before the court on the day after
to-morrow. You will be allowed to choose an advocate, and, as Grand
Judge of the Kingdom, I come to invite you to do so."

"I am deeply sensible of your Excellency's consideration," said
Monte-Leone, "but I must say, the first act of your _justice_ is
_unjust_. If my enemies have had two months to prepare their accusation,
it is cruel to allow me but two days to prepare my defence."

"This is the provision of the laws which regulate at Naples the special
courts, like the one which is to try you, Signor Comte. I do not make
the law, but only administer it."

"But, Excellency, a man of your character should not administer an
unjust law; nothing should compel him to do so."

"Signor," said the Grand Judge, much annoyed at finding himself
unexpectedly drawn into such a discussion, "the legislator gives us the
text of law, we find the interpretation. Your judges, the chief of whom
I am, have carefully studied them, and if we have assumed on our honor
and conscience their application, it is because we think them just. We
do not permit the accused to contest their forms. When a man is
unfortunately brought before a court, he must submit."

"I do, Excellency," said Monte-Leone, "I will even court their severity,
and will not take advantage of the very short time allowed me to choose
a defender. For humanity's sake alone I address you as I do. It seems to
me, however, that it is necessary that I should know, in the first
place, of what I am accused; and I wait until it please your Excellency
to tell me."

"You are charged, Signor, with two capital crimes. First, of having, on
the night of the 20th December, 1815, conspired against the security of
the state, near the ruins of Pompeii, where you presided over a secret
society, the object of which is the overthrow of royalty. You are, in
the second place, accused of having attempted to assassinate Stenio
Salvatori, of _Torre-del-Greco_, to avenge yourself on account of his
testimony."

"Is this all?" asked Monte-Leone.

"It is, Signor," said the Grand Judge; "I think such charges are
important enough to induce you to remember that you must now choose your
counsel."

"You are right, Signor," said Monte-Leone. "For such a cause a skilful
advocate is required, one who shall be able to impress your heart with
the conviction of my innocence, for on his word depends my life or
de