Rude oak, hewn with the axe straight from the tree, formed the rafters and principals of the roofs.

The windows were small, and cast a feeble light.

A long table like a block of granite, covered with a faded green cloth and having huge carved legs, stood at one end of the court, and stretched almost from side to side.

On a dais over this table sat the two judges in high-backed chairs, deeply carved and black.

There was a stout rail at one end of the table, and behind it were steps leading to a chamber below.