bosoms of the surrounding throng; and more than one
veteran of the grenadiers, the company to which Halloway
belonged, was heard to relieve his chest of the long
pent-up sigh that struggled for release.

"Enough, prisoner," rejoined the Governor; "on this
condition do I grant your request; but recollect,--your
disclosure ensures no hope of pardon, unless, indeed,
you have the fullest proof to offer in your defence. Do
you perfectly understand me? "

"I do," replied the soldier firmly; and again he placed
his cap on his head, and retired a step or two back among
the guard.

"Mr. Lawson, let the prisoner be removed, and conducted
to one of the private cells. Who is the subaltern of
the guard?"

"Ensign Fortescue," was the answer.

"Then let Ensign Fortescue keep the key of the cell
himself. Tell him, moreover, I shall hold him individually
responsible for his charge."

Once more the prisoner was marched out of the area; and,
as the clanking sound of his chains became gradually
fainter in the distance, the same voice that had before
interrupted the proceedings, pronounced a "God be praised!--
God be praised!" with such melody of sorrow in its