In a short time all the lower classes were compelled to leave the hall
to make room for the unprecedented rush of nobility. Nothing so tempted
me to speak as when I saw this partial rule in operation.

During all this gathering the officers stood in a circle around me and
held their weapons ready for instant service. Not hearing what I was or
what I might do, they were ordered to maintain this strict attitude.

Every eye was fastened on me. Some of the nobility were pale with fear;
others were busy inquiring whence I came and where I had been captured.

At length the chief official made a gutteral sound. This must have been
a call for order and the signal for the opening of the court, for at
once the wild confusion gave way to order as much as could be expected
under the circumstances.

The brief formalities of opening the court were ridiculous to me. This
being done, all official attention was given to me. I saw that
everything was under the charge of this presiding official. He first
ordered that I should be bound and, accordingly, my hands and feet were
tied. Then a very heavy chain-like rope was fastened to my body and I
was tied to the criminal's post.

The officers were then released and retired to their special part of the
room.

The chief then stepped toward me and peered into my face with a puzzled
look of great anxiety. I returned his glances calmly, but uttered not a
word.