464

LIFE OF COLONEL MACERONI.

Joachim was concocted in Sicily . The chief direction ofthe plot was entrusted to a priest, called Fra Giusto, who'was steward over a large track of land around the royalshooting district of Maremme, named Mondragone , whichis situated between Patria and Gaeta. Twenty-one choicebrigands were sent from Sicily , seven others were enrolledat Naples, all to act under the orders of Fra Giusto, whilstthe position and localities of Mondragone presented greatfacilities for the regicides effecting their return to theirlegitimate employers in Sicily . The king used oftentimesto shoot wild ducks, and boars, and snipes at Mondragone ,and all was prepared to strike the blow the next time thathe should visit the place. But one of the assassins, beingstationed at Naples, had frequent occasion to see the kingon horseback; and, as he said, being struck with respectand admiration for his person, he revealed the plot on con-dition of his own safety. Fra Giusto and his twenty-eightcompanions were all seized and brought before the ordinarycriminal tribunal, and tried in open court. The proofswere clear and satisfactory. Autograph letters, arms, con-fessions, put the case beyond a doubt. The Attorney-Gene-ral demanded the punishment of death upon seven of thenumber, and hard labour for life for the other twenty-one.The counsel for the defence were pleading their cases, withno hopes of success, when suddenly the chief justice receiveda letter from the king, and stayed the proceedings, that hemight read it to the public and the bar. It was in the fol-lowing words:—

" I had hoped that those men accused of conspiracy against myperson would have been found to be innocent, but, with much grief, Ihave this moment heard that the Attorney-General demands for all verysevere punishment. Their guilt is, perhaps, true; but I, wishing topreserve a ray of hope and doubt as to their innocence, desire to anti-cipate the vote of the tribunal. I pardon the accused ; and 1 command