It was brisk and rasping, and the lips through which it passed were curved in scorn.

"I take it, Mr.Pollexfen, that the wicked treason of these three rogues being established--indeed, admitted by them--there is no more to be said." Peter Blood's voice rang out crisply, on a note that almost seemed to contain laughter.
"May it please your lordship, but there's a deal more to be said." His lordship looked at him, first in blank amazement at his audacity, then gradually with an expression of dull anger.

The scarlet lips fell into unpleasant, cruel lines that transfigured the whole countenance.
"How now, rogue?
Would you waste our time with idle subterfuge ?" "I would have your lordship and the gentlemen of the jury hear me on my defence, as your lordship promised that I should be heard." "Why, so you shall, villain; so you shall." His lordship's voice was harsh as a file.

He writhed as he spoke, and for an instant his features were distorted.

A delicate dead-white hand, on which the veins showed blue, brought forth a handkerchief with which he dabbed his lips and then his brow.