Though fearful to behold, Lanyere's countenance had a terrible purpose impressed upon it which none could mistake.

The effect produced by his appearance upon the spectators was shared even by Prince Charles, and a few minutes elapsed before the silence was broken.

At length, the Prince again spoke:-- "I sit here," he said, "as the representative of the Majesty of England--clothed with the authority of my royal father, and prepared to exercise it, as he would do were he present in person.

But though this seat is erected into a tribunal before which accusations against wrong-doers can be brought, and sentence upon them pronounced; still, whatever charges are now made, and against whomsoever they may be preferred, those charges will have to be repeated to the Lords of the Council of the Star-Chamber, before whom the accused will be taken; and any judgment now given will have to be confirmed by that high and honourable Court.

Of late, the course of justice has been too often baffled and turned aside by the craft and subtlety of certain powerful and audacious offenders.