“It matters not, dearest—­the fact must come out in some way or other, and in due time you shall know all.  And now, Messieurs”—­the door closing on Ghita—­“there need be no further concealment between us.  I am Raoul Yvard—­the person you take me for, and the person that some of you must well know me to be.  I fought your boats, Monsieur Cuffe—­avoided your brulot, and led you a merry chase round Elba.  I deceived the Signor Barrofaldi and his friend the podesta, and all for the love of this beautiful and modest girl, who has just left the cabin; no other motive having carried me into Porto Ferrajo or into this Bay of Naples, on the honor of a Frenchman.”

“Umph!” muttered Lyon, “it must be admitted, Sir Frederick, that the prisoner appeals to a most eligible standard!”

On another occasion national antipathy and national prejudice might have caused the rest of the court to smile at this sally; but there was an earnestness and sincerity in the manner and countenance of Raoul, which, if they did not command entire belief, at least commanded respect.  It was impossible to deride such a man; and long-cherished antipathies were rebuked by his spirited and manly declarations.

“There will be no further occasion for witnesses, Mr. Judge Advocate, if the prisoner be disposed to acknowledge the whole truth,” observed Cuffe.  “It is proper, however, Monsieur Yvard, to apprise you of the possible consequences.  You are on trial for your life; the charge being that of coming on board an English ship in disguise, or rather into the centre of an English fleet, you being an alien enemy, engaged in carrying on open warfare against His Majesty.”

“I am a Frenchman, Monsieur, and I serve my country,” answered Raoul, with dignity.

“Your right to serve your country no one will dispute; but you must know it is against the laws of civilized warfare to act the part of a spy.  You are now on your guard and will decide for yourself.  If you have anything to say, we will hear it.”

“Messieurs, there is little more to be said,” answered Raoul.  “That I am your enemy, as I am of all those who seek the downfall of France, I do not deny.  You know who I am and what I am, and I have no excuses to make for being either.  As brave Englishmen, you will know how to allow for the love a Frenchman bears his country.  As for coming on board this ship, you cannot bring that as a charge against me, since it was at your own invitation I did it.  The rites of hospitality are as sacred as they are general.”

The members of the court exchanged significant glances with each other, and there was a pause of more than a minute.  Then the Judge Advocate resumed his duties saying;

“I wish you to understand, prisoner, the precise legal effect of your admissions; then I wish them to be made formally and deliberately; else we must proceed to the examination of other witnesses.  You are said to be Raoul Yvard, an alien enemy, in arms against the king.”