ath."

"Find such a one, then, Signor," said the Grand Judge. "Believe me,
however, the most eloquent advocate has less influence over a
conscientious judge than the facts of the case, the light which
illumines them, and which it is their duty to make brilliant in our
eyes, rather than seek an opportunity to display their fluency and their
political opinions, or, worse yet, to produce public or private
scandal--"

"You are right, Signor, but the person who will speak in my behalf is
neither eloquent nor skilful, yet the most famous pleas, the most
powerful defences of Naples, will not produce so much effect as the
words of that man."

"You, Signor, alone," said the Grand Judge, "can choose your defender.
But let me know his name--"

"That can only be revealed at the trial."

"But you do not know, Signor, you thus deprive yourself of a precious
right to all who are accused, secured them by law, the right of
communicating with their defenders."

"That right I waive. The man who will defend me will know his grave
mission only when called on in the face of the supreme tribunal to
fulfil it."

The Grand Judge looked with amazement at Monte-Leone. "Why, Signor,
cannot he be informed of his grave duty?"

"God forbid he should!"

"Why?"

"Because in that case I would lose my cause." The Count laughed.

"Act then, Signor, as you please. Strange and whimsical as your conduct
is, I have no authority to speak of its advantages and disadvantages."

He bowed to Monte-Leone and withdrew.

"He is mad," said he, as he was leaving _Castello Capuano_.

"He is a fool," said Monte-Leone, as the Grand Judge left. "He did not
understand that one defends himself from the effects of a crime
committed, but not when no crime has been committed."

V.--THE TRIAL.

The appointed day came at last, and all Naples assumed a strange and
unusual air. One subject of interest took possession of all the city,
one idea occupied it, and from the Senator to the Lazzarone all had one
name on their lips. Monte-Leone, Count Monte-Leone.

"Monte-Leone, the people's friend," said some.

"Monte-Leone, the conspirator," said others.

"Monte-Leone, the assassin of Stenio Salvatori," said the enemies of the
Count.

"Monte-Leone, the victim of Fernando," said the enemies of the King.

As all this was going on around the prison, calm and thoughtful
Monte-Leone waited for the hour of trial.

_Castello Capuano_, usually called la Vicaria, ha