‘Mercia Montgomery, you are charged with feloniously attempting the life of His Imperial Majesty, Albert Felicitas, Supreme Ruler and Governor of Great Britain and Ireland, Emperor of the Teutonic, Indian, and African Empires, which murderous attempt is accounted HIGH TREASON by the law of these Realms. Do you plead Guilty or not Guilty?’ Before the accused could possibly have time to give her answer, the Public Prosecutor interfered. ‘I am empowered to convey to the prisoner the favour of his Imperial Majesty’s clemency. Taking into consideration the prisoner’s long and valuable service rendered to her country, also the great loyalty she has ever evinced towards her Sovereign during that period of faithful service, the Emperor has decided to overlook the sudden outburst of passion made by his otherwise faithful subject, and illustrious Astronomer, and has therefore conveyed to her his Royal Pardon, in proper form, forthwith. ‘The prisoner has been already made acquainted with this fact and was in the enjoyment of her freedom last evening,’ he added, regarding Mercia with a glance full of meaning. Then Mercia, motioning her counsel to keep his seat a moment longer, and rising to her full height, replied in low but emphatic tones—‘Being altogether innocent of the crime of which I am charged, I am unable to accept the clemency offered by his Most Gracious Majesty. ‘It will be soon enough to pray for pardon when I am proved guilty. If the Court will permit, I beg that the trial proceed, and my character for ever cleared from all unworthy imputations. ‘I, Mercia, the Astronomer, must leave this Court with my name pure, unsullied, and honourable; or hide my head in shame for ever.’ ‘Long live Mercia! Long live Mercia!’ resounded in mighty force throughout that great Hall. The whole multitude was with her in one intense wave of sympathy; for she had given utterance to their own feeling. They desired to bottom the whole business, and place their beloved Astronomer on the proud pedestal she had formerly occupied. Besides, the Englishman’s love of justice was another factor in the case, and no matter what the issue, they desired to see fair play throughout. Swami looked radiant with happiness as he pressed towards her side eager to render her whatever trifling service possible at such a moment. Geometrus wore a serious and downcast aspect, as if he believed that nothing would go right. Sadbag sitting near him, with a mysterious parcel by his side, seemed the picture of suppressed satisfaction.