hus bringing yourself within the penalties
appropriate to the violation of a military parole, if not within those
of treason itself."

"He lies in his throat," cried Butler, "who charges me with forfeiture
of plighted word or honor, in any action of my life. That I have arrayed
myself against what you are pleased to term his majesty's acknowledged
government in this province, I am proud to confess, here in the midst of
your bands, and will confess it again at your judgment seat; but if
aught be said against me that shall be intended to attaint my honor as a
gentleman, I will, in the same presence and before God, throw the lie in
the teeth of my accuser. Aye, and make good my word, now or hereafter,
wheresoever it may be allowed me to meet the slanderer."

"I do not condemn your warmth," said St. Jermyn, calmly, "in a matter
that so deeply stirs your self-esteem; and only desire now to second it
in all things wherein an honorable enemy may claim the support of those
who themselves value a good name. The authorities of this post have
considerately resolved to give you the benefit of a court of inquiry.
And I hope you will take it as it was meant, in all kindness to you,
that I have come, before the communication of an official order, to
apprise you that charges will be duly exhibited against you, and a trial
be instantly had. If you will accept of my services, feeble and
inadequate as they may be, I would gladly tender them to afford you such
facilities as the pressure of the present emergency may allow."

"To be tried! when, and for what? If the charge is that I carry on open
war against those who are in the habit of calling me and my compatriots
rebels--I am ready to confess the charge. What need of court or trial?"

"There are graver and more serious offences than that imputed to you,"
said St. Jermyn.

"When am I to be informed of them, and to what do they tend?"

"You will hear them this morning; when, I am sorry to add, the nature of
our military operations also enforces the necessity of your trial."

"You can be of little service, if that be true," returned Butler,
thoughtfully. "My cause can only be defended by my country, long after I
am made the victim of this unrighteous procedure."

"There is one alternative," said St. Jermyn, with some hesitation in his
manner, "which a mature deliberation upon your relations as a
subject,--pardon me, for I do not deem this ill-timed rebellion to have
obliterated them