just uttered. "What mean you, by stating, but for that
(alluding to your regard for Captain de Haldimar) you
would not now be in this situation of shame and danger?"

The prisoner hesitated a moment; and then rejoined, but
in a tone that had less of firmness in it than
before,--"Colonel de Haldimar, I am not at liberty to
state my meaning; for, though a private soldier, I respect
my word, and have pledged myself to secrecy."

"You respect your word, and have pledged yourself to
secrecy! What mean you, man, by this rhodomontade? To
whom can you have pledged yourself, and for what, unless
it be to some secret enemy without the walls? Gentlemen,
proceed to your duty: it is evident that the man is a
traitor, even from his own admission.--On my life," he
pursued, more hurriedly, and speaking in an under tone,
as if to himself, "the fellow has been bribed by, and is
connected with--." The name escaped not his lips; for,
aware of the emotion he was betraying, he suddenly checked
himself, and assumed his wonted stern and authoritative
bearing.

Once more the prisoner addressed the Governor in the same
clear firm voice in which he had opened his appeal.

"Colonel de Haldimar, I have no connection with any living
soul without the fort; and again I repeat, I am no traitor,
but a true and loyal British soldier, as my services in
this war, and my comrades, can well attest. Still, I seek