In the year 1445, a petition was presented, or entered on the rolls
of the British Parliament, from the commons of two neighboring
counties, praying the abatement of a nuisance which promised fearful
interruptions to the peace and quiet of their hamlets, in
consequence of the number of attorneys having increased from eight
to twenty-four, setting forth that attorneys were dangerous to the
peace and happiness of a community, and praying that there should
be no more than six attorneys for each county. The king granted the
petition, adding a clause which left it subject to the approval of
the judges. Time works mighty contrasts. If those peaceable old
commoners could have seen a picture of the nineteenth century, with
its judiciary dotted upon the surface, they would certainly have put
the world down as a very unhappy place. The people of Charleston
might now inquire why they have so much law and so little justice?
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE CAPTAIN'S DEPARTURE AND MANUEL'S RELEASE.
AFTER remaining nearly three weeks in close confinement in a cell on
the third story, Manuel was allowed to come down and resume his
position among the stewards, in the "steward's cell." There was a
sad change of faces. But one of those he left was there; and he,
poor fellow, was so changed as to be but a wreck of what he was when
Manuel was confined in the cell.
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