tain which is deepest, the Umea or my
misery? Or would you that I should strangle myself with the braids of
my hair? So true as the Lord liveth, I will not be torn living from my
husband.'

'Let it be as she wishes,' begged Arwed of the judge.

'I shall perhaps take a heavy responsibility upon myself,' answered the
latter with strong emotion. 'But who could withstand her intercession?
Be it so.'

'Courage, Mac Donalbain!' now exhorted Christine. 'We have men for our
judges. They will listen to your defence with merciful hearts, and thus
at least your life will be saved.'

'I desire not life, nor will I ask for mercy!' cried Mac Donalbain,
wildly. 'My deeds are my own, and the son of my father is not
accustomed to excuse or palliate them, especially to save a miserable
life!'

'You speak as becomes a man and a Scottish nobleman,' said Christine;
'yet must I be allowed to speak for you as becomes your truly wedded
wife. Therefore I beg of you, my lords, give that gracious hearing
which you hope God will one day give you!'

'What can you offer in defence of a convicted highway robber?' asked
the judge, with some appearance of sympathy.

'The heaven-crying injustice of the government!' eagerly exclaimed
Christine, 'which forcibly impelled the unhappy man upon his criminal
career. The indulgence which has been shown to similar transgressions.
The case of the Danish deserter, who received from Charles XII great
rewards and a license to rob for his own benefit, proves how mildly
such transgressions have hitherto been judged in our father-land.'

'However clear may be the precedent you cite to us,' said the judge,
'it cannot be applied to the present case. Neither was this absolute
sovereign authorised to grant such unheard of privileges, which, if
true, owes its origin but to one of Charles's strange caprices; as the
property of the subjects must be deemed sacred by the king, who is
indeed their natural protector.'

'My maternal inheritance shall repair the wrong which Mac Donalbain has
inflicted upon the country!' cried Christine.

'Can you make reparation for the innocent blood which has been shed by
your husband's hand?' asked the judge with impressive solemnity.

'The resistance he opposed to the attack was self-defence!' cried
Christine; 'besides, none of the assailants fell by his sword; and with
that exception he has preserved his hands pure from the blood of his
fellow men.'

'By no means!' answered the