CHAPTER VI.
Trial before the Presidency—Digression—Defence—Angry discussion with the President—Query—Reply—Sentence.
The month of August had come round by the time that the process was ready to be brought before the Presidency in the Hall of Justice.
In this court, the prisoner has to depend upon himself, he is not allowed the help of an advocate to plead for him. The door is locked, and guarded by Archers. The President sits in the centre, the Judges or Counsellors on each side; the Register remains in the lower part of the Hall, and the prisoner is usually seated near him, on a three-legged wooden stool, as a mark of disgrace.
There is a saying in France, "he has sat upon the stool," which is tantamount to the English phrase, "I have seen him hold up his hand at the bar."
The testimony recorded in the confrontation is read to the accused, and he is asked if it be correct, and if the signature attached to it be his. The judges then examine him more fully, and if it be a case which admits of appeal to Parliament, the answers are recorded. As soon as the examination is over, the accused is taken, back to prison, and the sentence of the court, in writing, is sent to him by a sheriff's officer.
