The king was furious over these inhumanities, and wanted Hendon to break

Jail and fly with him to Westminster, so that he could mount his throne and

Hold out his scepter in mercy over these unfortunate people and save their

lives. 'Poor child,' sighed Hendon, 'these woeful tales have brought his malady

Upon him again — alack, but for this evil hap, he would have been well in a

little time.'

Among these prisoners was an old lawyer — a man with a strong face and a

Dauntless mien. Three years past, he had written a pamphlet against the Lord

Chancellor, accusing him of injustice, and had been punished for it by the loss

Of his ears in the pillory and degradation from the bar, and in addition had

Been fined L3,000 and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Lately he had

Repeated his offense; and in consequence was now under sentence to lose what

Remained of his ears, pay a fine of L5,000, be branded on both cheeks, and

Remain in prison for life.

'These be honorable scars,' he said, and turned back his gray hair and showed

The mutilated stubs of what had once been his ears.

The king's eye burned with passion. He said:

'None believe in me — neither wilt thou. But no matter — within the compass

Of a month thou shalt be free; and more, the laws that have dishonored thee,

And shamed the English name, shall be swept from the statute-books. The

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