Before the Judge

When John comes into the room, the judge is writing carefully upon a piece of parchment. He removes the letter and looks up, studying him intently...

Judge "Do you know who I am, John Ridd?"

John "You're the Lord Chief Justice."

Judge "Are you frightened of me?"

John "I have no reason to be, my lord."

Judge "Haven't you? Hmm... I wonder?"

The judge leads him to a window overlooking the square, where a man is preparing to be executed. Hands tied behind his back, he's lead up to the block and forced to lay his head across the wooden slat. 

Judge "Now you see, this is Lord Russell who plotted to overthrow the king."

The axe comes down violently, and John grasps his mouth, forcing back the illness that floods forth. Judge Jeffreys looks nonplussed.

Judge "Off in one. There's a novelty. Justice, is a beautiful thing, is it not?"

Leading John back into the room, he picks up a parchment and holds it up for John to read.

Judge "Do you know this writing?"

John "That's my uncle's, Ruben Huckaback."

Judge "He complains of a nest of outlaws in your area called the Doones, is it true?"

John "The Doones are a curse on Exmoor. They rob and murder at will and no one in authority lifts a finger to stop them."

Judge "That's a grave accusation."

John " The Doones murdered my father; no one was ever held accountable. Perhaps he is afraid."

Judge "Or perhaps he is corrupt."

John "The Doones are formidable enemies, my Lord, they are of ancient and noble birth."

Judge "Well you seen where Lord Russell's noble birth lead him. Trust me, the quickest way to the block is to be a chip off an old one. Do you know the king is ill?"

John "No, my lord."

Judge "When he dies and die he must one day. There are those who will say his brother, James, is not fit to succeed him because he is a Catholic. Perhaps you are one of them?"

John "I am a faithful servant of the rightful king, my lord."

Judge "Oh, what a careful answer! Still, the west country is the stronghold of Monmouth... he may seek his army there. The Doones may agree to support him."

John "Monmouth would do well to have them on his side."

Judge "My own thoughts, exactly. See there is treason in the air, John. Keep clear of it, if you have any sense."