g to say?"

"Nothing that would be like to weigh with you," replied Sir Oliver. And
then with a sudden change from his slightly derisive manner to one that
was charged with passion: "Let us make an end of this comedy," he cried,
"of this pretence of judicial proceedings. Hang me, and have done,
or set me to walk the plank. Play the pirate, for that is a trade you
understand. But a' God's name don't disgrace the Queen's commission by
playing the judge."

Sir John leapt to his feet, his face aflame. "Now, by Heaven, you
insolent knave...."

But Lord Henry checked him, placing a restraining hand upon his sleeve,
and forcing him gently back into his seat. Himself he now addressed the
prisoner.

"Sir, your words are unworthy one who, whatever his crimes, has earned
the repute of being a sturdy, valiant fighter. Your deeds are so
notorious--particularly that which caused you to flee from England
and take to roving, and that of your reappearance at Arwenack and
the abduction of which you were then guilty--that your sentence in
an English court is a matter foregone beyond all possible doubt.
Nevertheless, it shall be yours, as I have said, for the asking.

"Yet," he added, and his voice was lowered and very earnest, "were I
your friend, Sir Oliver, I would advise you that you rather choose to be
dealt with in the summary fashion of the sea."

"Sirs," replied Sir Oliver, "your right to hang me I have not disputed,
nor do I. I have no more to say."

"But I have."

Thus Rosamund at last, startling the court with her crisp, sharp
utterance. All turned to look at her as she rose, and stood tall and
compelling at the table's end.

"Rosamund!" cried Sir John, and rose in his turn. "Let me implore
you...."

She waved him peremptorily, almost contemptuously, into silence.

"Since in this matter of the abduction with which Sir Oliver is
charged," she said, "I am the person said to have been abducted, it were
perhaps well that before going further in this matter you should hear
what I may hereafter have to say in an English court."

Sir John shrugged, and sat down again. She would have her way, he
realized; just as he knew that its only result could be to waste their
time and protract the agony of the doomed man.

Lord Henry turned to her, his manner full of deference. "Since the
prisoner has not denied the charge, and since wisely he refrains
from demanding to be taken to trial, we need not harass you, Mistress
Rosamund