It was Mr.Pollexfen, the Judge-Advocate.
"Are you guilty or not guilty ?" snapped this peppery gentleman.

"You must take the words." "Words, is it ?" said Peter Blood.

"Oh--not guilty." And he went on, addressing himself to the bench.

"On this same subject of words, may it please your lordships, I am guilty of nothing to justify any of those words I have heard used to describe me, unless it be of a want of patience at having been closely confined for two months and longer in a foetid gaol with great peril to my health and even life." Being started, he would have added a deal more; but at this point the Lord Chief Justice interposed in a gentle, rather plaintive voice.
"Look you, sir: because we must observe the common and usual methods of trial, I must interrupt you now.

You are no doubt ignorant of the forms of law ?" "Not only ignorant, my lord, but hitherto most happy in that ignorance.
I could gladly have forgone this acquaintance with them." A pale smile momentarily lightened the wistful countenance.
"I believe you.