‘I do not indeed, deny it,’ he continued, ‘for I certainly dread that awful Sadbag, who with villainous guile hid behind the screen, and heard me plead my cause with the beauteous Mercia. But I must own it gives me more uneasiness the testimony of Mercia herself, for none will doubt her word.’ ‘Then, let me advise thy Majesty to withdraw the charge and set the lady at liberty forthwith. A king’s cause should be just, and beyond suspicion: himself the personification of integrity, truth, and righteousness. He should rather suffer a slight, than in revenge work a great injury. The way of a king should be perfect.’ Felicitas looking ill at ease endeavoured to take this rebuke lightly. ‘The law still holds good that “a king can do no wrong.” But, Swami,’ he continued earnestly, and in a pleading tone, ‘thine advice is good if my way be not: tell me first what the issue of the trial will be, and I will then accommodate myself to circumstances.’ ‘Be it so,’ answered Swami courteously. ‘Come at this hour to-morrow and I will be prepared.’ When the Emperor arrived on the following day at the Soul-reader’s dwelling, he was met at the door by Swami himself, who conducted him into his library. From thence he led him into an inner room, which having no window was in a state of complete darkness. ‘It has cost me many hours of labour to obtain this result,’ explained Swami to his visitor, ‘but it is, I believe, perfect. Presently, I will illumine the sensitive plate on which the scene is projected from my brain, and show to thy Majesty three pictures of the scenes which will certainly be enacted at the court, during the coming trial. For I find that the case will come off independently of thy action. I can only now advise what course thy Majesty can best take concerning it.’ Then Swami, having all the results in readiness of his wonderful instrument—the psycho-register—touched a spring, and forthwith an immense illuminated picture, filling one side of the room and representing a scene in the Great Hall, of the Court, almost dazzling in its brilliancy of colouring, instantaneously appeared. So complete was the surprise of Felicitas that he started back, for the strange vividness, no less than the suddenness of the scene made him somewhat nervous: but Swami, accustomed to finding his visitors startled, kindly re-assured him. ‘Sire,’ said he gently, ‘be not alarmed, there is nothing to hurt thy Majesty.’ It proved, in truth, a most wonderful and striking picture of the Great Justice Hall in the Metropolitan Court. Tiers of seats containing the _élite_ of Great Britain, and Ireland, Berlin, Paris, and most of the European Continent, were filled to overflowing; for nobles and great dames, and even several crowned heads, had assembled from all parts to see the _cause célèbre_.