e of Raoul, although she did
not understand what passed in English; and she was reluctant to quit the
place in ignorance.

"Have I said aught to injure thee, Raoul?" she anxiously asked--"I was
sworn on the Word of God, and by the sacred cross--had I foreseen any
harm to thee, the power of England would not have made me take so solemn
an oath, and then I might have been silent."

"It matters not, dearest--the fact must come out in some way or other,
and in due time you shall know all. And now, Messieurs"--the door
closing on Ghita--"there need be no further concealment between us. I am
Raoul Yvard--the person you take me for, and the person that some of
you must well know me to be. I fought your boats, Monsieur
Cuffe--avoided your _brulot,_ and led you a merry chase round Elba. I
deceived the Signor Barrofaldi and his friend the podesta, and all for
the love of this beautiful and modest girl, who has just left the cabin;
no other motive having carried me into Porto Ferrajo or into this Bay of
Naples, on the honor of a Frenchman."

"Umph!" muttered Lyon, "it must be admitted, Sir Frederick, that the
prisoner appeals to a most eligible standard!"

On another occasion national antipathy and national prejudice might have
caused the rest of the court to smile at this sally; but there was an
earnestness and sincerity in the manner and countenance of Raoul, which,
if they did not command entire belief, at least commanded respect. It
was impossible to deride such a man; and long-cherished antipathies were
rebuked by his spirited and manly declarations.

"There will be no further occasion for witnesses, Mr. Judge Advocate, if
the prisoner be disposed to acknowledge the whole truth," observed
Cuffe. "It is proper, however, Monsieur Yvard, to apprise you of the
possible consequences. You are on trial for your life; the charge being
that of coming on board an English ship in disguise, or rather into the
centre of an English fleet, you being an alien enemy, engaged in
carrying on open warfare against His Majesty."

"I am a Frenchman, Monsieur, and I serve my country," answered Raoul,
with dignity.

"Your right to serve your country no one will dispute; but you must know
it is against the laws of civilized warfare to act the part of a spy.
You are now on your guard and will decide for yourself. If you have
anything to say, we will hear it."

"Messieurs, there is little more to be said," answered Raoul. "That I am
_your_ ene