ve been instantly
decisive of his fate. His better genius, however, prevailed, and,
smothering his anger by a strong effort of self-control, he merely
folded his arms and abided until the end, with a contemptuous and proud
glance at his accusers.

"You have heard the allegations against you, sir," said Colonel Innis;
"what say you to them?"

"What should an honorable man," replied Butler, "say to such foul
aspersions? The first and second charges, sir, I pronounce to be
frivolous and false. As to the last, sir, there are imputations in it
that mark the agency of a concealed enemy, lost to every impulse of
honor--a base and wicked liar. Confront me with that man, and let the
issue stand on this--if I do not prove him to be, in the judgment of
every true gentleman of your army, an atrocious and depraved slanderer,
who has contrived against my life for selfish purposes, I will submit
myself to whatever penalty the most exasperated of my enemies may
invent. It was my purpose, sir, to remain silent, and to refuse, by any
act of mine, to acknowledge the violation of the rights of war by which
I have been dragged hither. Nothing could have swayed me from that
determination, but the iniquitous falsehood conveyed in the last
accusation."

"We cannot bandy words with one in your condition," interrupted the
president of the court. "I must remind you again, that our purpose is to
give you a fair trial, not to listen to ebullitions of anger. Your honor
is concerned in these charges, and you will best consult your interest
by a patient demeanor in your present difficulties."

"I am silent," said Butler, indignantly, taking his seat.

"Let the trial proceed," continued the president. "You will not deny,"
he said, after an interval of reflection, "that you are a native of
Carolina?"

"I can scarcely deny that before you," replied Butler, "who, in my
absence, as report says, have been busy in the investigation of my
affairs."

"There are bounds, sir, to the forbearance of a court," said Innis,
sternly. "I understand the taunt. Your estates have been the subject of
consideration before another tribunal; and if my advice were listened
to, the process relating to them would be a short one."

"You are answered," returned Butler.

"Nor can you deny that you were an officer belonging to the army under
the command of General Lincoln."

Butler was silent.

"You were at Charleston during the siege?" inquired one of the court.

"