Political trials are in all ages similar; and then, as now, the verdictis decided upon long before the proceedings have begun.
It was only after Fanfaro had been brought to the courtroom that hecaught a glimpse of the man who had allowed himself to be used as a toolto set the assassination of the king in motion. A contemptuous smileplayed about the young man's lips when he saw it was Robeckal. Thewretch looked like the personification of fear; his knees quakedtogether, his face was covered with cold perspiration, and his teethchattered audibly.
Robeckal had been still half intoxicated when he undertook to carry outSimon's proposition to play the regicide. Not until now, when he foundhimself in the presence of his judges, had he comprehended that it mightcost him his head, and his bold assurance gave way to cowardly despair.
Fanfaro answered the questions put to him briefly and clearly. Hedescribed Robeckal's actions during the time he had been a member ofGirdel's troupe. He declared that the wretch had cut the chain inSainte-Ame for the purpose of killing the athlete, and said everythingin such a passionless way that the judges became convinced that he wasspeaking the truth. As soon as the indictment had been read, theproceedings began. Robeckal whiningly declared that he bitterlyregretted what he had done. He had been seduced by Fanfaro, and wouldgive his right hand if he could blot out the recollection of theattempted assassination.
"Thanks be to God that Providence protected our king!" he concluded,bursting into tears, the presence of which were a surprise even tohimself, while a murmur of sympathy ran through the courtroom. Hecertainly deserved a light punishment, poor fellow, and--
Now came Fanfaro's turn.
"You are a member of a secret society which bears the proud title of'Heroes of Justice'?" asked the presiding judge.
"I am a Frenchman," replied Fanfaro, "and as such I joined with the menwho desire to free their country."
"And to do this you attempted assassination?" asked the judge, sharply.
"I am not an assassin," replied the young man, coldly; "these men whonegotiated with foreign powers to cut France in pieces for the sake ofconquering a crown sunk in mud have more right to the title."
"Bravo!" came from the rear of the hall, and then a terrible tumultarose. With the help of the policemen, several dozen men were hustledout of the room, while the man who had uttered the cry was let alone. Itwas Girdel, who wore the dress of a lackey and consequently aroused nosuspicion.
Irene de Salves was also one of the spectators. Her sparkling eyes weredirected at Fanfaro, and whenever he spoke, a look of pride shone inthem.
When quiet had been restored, the judge turned once more to Fanfaro. Heasked him to tell everything he knew about the attempt, and shook hishead when the young man declared on his honor that he was the victim ofa conspiracy.
"My father," Fanfaro concluded, "fell in defence of his country, and itwould be a bad way of honoring his memory were I to stain his name withthe shame of regicide."
Fanfaro's defender was a very able lawyer, but he was stopped in themiddle of his speech, and when he protested he was forced to leave thecourtroom.
Fifteen minutes later the verdict was given. Robeckal was condemned todeath by strangulation, and Fanfaro to the galleys for life.
But at the moment the sentence was pronounced a terrible thing occurred.
Fanfaro arose, opened his mouth as if he wished to speak, stretched outhis arms, turned around in a circle, and then fell heavily to the floor!
Loud cries broke forth.
"He has committed suicide," some cried.
"He has been poisoned," came from others, and all rushed toward theunconscious man.
Irene de Salves had hurried toward Girdel, she wished to ask him aquestion; but when she finally reached the place where she had seen theathlete he had disappeared. All attempts at recovery remained fruitless,and Fanfaro was carried off. Robeckal, too, was almost dead from fright.The sentence came upon him like a stroke of lightning.