Volume II Part 37 (1/2)
”Simon, are you mad?”
”No, my lord I will kill Fanfaro!”
CHAPTER XXII
THE TRIAL
Political trials are in all ages si before the proceedings have begun
It was only after Fanfaro had been brought to the courtroolimpse of the man who had allowed himself to be used as a tool to set the assassination of the king inman's lips when he saas Robeckal The wretch looked like the personification of fear; his knees quaked together, his face was covered with cold perspiration, and his teeth chattered audibly
Robeckal had been still half intoxicated when he undertook to carry out Siicide Not until nohen he found hies, had he coht cost hiave way to cowardly despair
Fanfaro answered the questions put to hi the time he had been a member of Girdel's troupe He declared that the wretch had cut the chain in Sainte-A in such a passionless way that the judges beca the truth As soon as the indictly declared that he bitterly regretted what he had done He had been seduced by Fanfaro, and would give his right hand if he could blot out the recollection of the attempted assassination
”Thanks be to God that Providence protected our king!” he concluded, bursting into tears, the presence of which were a surprise even to hih the courtrooht punishment, poor fellow, and--
Now came Fanfaro's turn
”You are a member of a secret society which bears the proud title of 'Heroes of Justice'?” asked the presiding judge
”I am a Frenchman,” replied Fanfaro, ”and as such I joined with the men who desire to free their country”
”And to do this you attee, sharply
”I a n powers to cut France in pieces for the sake of conquering a crown sunk in ht to the title”
”Bravo!” came from the rear of the hall, and then a terrible tumult arose With the help of the policemen, several dozen men were hustled out of the room, while the man who had uttered the cry was let alone It was Girdel, ore the dress of a lackey and consequently aroused no suspicion
Irene de Salves was also one of the spectators Her sparkling eyes were directed at Fanfaro, and whenever he spoke, a look of pride shone in thee turned oncehe knew about the atte man declared on his honor that he was the victim of a conspiracy
”My father,” Fanfaro concluded, ”fell in defence of his country, and it would be a bad way of honoring his icide”
Fanfaro's defender was a very able lawyer, but he was stopped in the middle of his speech, and when he protested he was forced to leave the courtrooiven Robeckal was condealleys for life
But at theoccurred
Fanfaro arose, opened his mouth as if he wished to speak, stretched out his arms, turned around in a circle, and then fell heavily to the floor!
Loud cries broke forth