from that severe wound, every mark of favour that could
be bestowed on persons in our situation had been extended
to my wife and myself, by the family of Colonel de
Haldimar; and my captain, knowing me merely as the simple
and low born Frank Halloway, although still the preserver
of his life, has been unceasing in his exertions to obtain
such promotion as he thought my conduct generally,
independently of my devotedness to his person, might
claim. How these applications were met, gentlemen, I have
already stated; but notwithstanding Colonel de Haldimar
has never deemed me worthy of the promotion solicited,
that circumstance could in no way weaken my regard and
attachment for him who had so often demanded it. How
then, in the name of heaven, can a charge so improbable,
so extravagant, as that of having been instrumental in
the abduction of Captain de Haldimar, be entertained?
and who is there among you, gentlemen, who will for one
moment believe I could harbour a thought so absurd as
that of lending myself to the destruction of one for whom
I once cheerfully offered up the sacrifice of my blood?
And now," pursued the prisoner, after another short pause,
"I come to the third charge,--that charge which most
affects my life, but impugns neither my honour nor my
fidelity. That God, before whom I know I shall shortly
appear, can attest the sincerity of my statement, and
before him do I now solemnly declare what I am about to
relate is true.

"Soon after the commencement of my watch last night, I
heard a voice distinctly on the outside of the rampart,