a soul, Sir, notwithstanding my fallen fortunes, as keenly
alive to honour as your own; and not even to save my
wretched life, would I be guilty of the baseness you now
attribute to me. You have asked," he pursued, in a more
solemn tone, "what proof I have to show this individual
to be the same who attempted the life of Captain de
Haldimar. To Captain de Haldimar himself, should Providence
have spared his days, I shall leave the melancholy task
of bearing witness to all I here advance, when I shall
be no more. Nay, Sir," and his look partook at once of
mingled scorn and despondency, "well do I know the fate
that awaits me; for in these proceedings--in that third
charge--I plainly read my death-warrant. But what, save
my poor and wretched wife, have I to regret? Colonel de
Haldimar," he continued, with a vehemence meant to check
the growing weakness which the thought of his unfortunate
companion called up to his heart, "I saved the life of
your son, even by your own admission, no matter whose
the arm that threatened his existence; and in every other
action in which I have been engaged, honourable mention
has ever been made of my conduct. Now, Sir, I ask what
has been my reward? So far from attending to the repeated
recommendations of my captain for promotion, even in a
subordinate rank, have you once deemed it necessary to
acknowledge my services by even a recognition of them in
any way whatever?"

"Mr. President, Captain Blessington," interrupted the
governor, haughtily, "are we met here to listen to such
language from a private soldier? You will do well, Sir,