D’A. I am acquainted with all the facts related by Captain Brightly. In addition, while the prisoner was absent in Massachusetts, his family was assassinated, and home burned, on account of political differences. When the war broke out, he was exiled for the same reason.
Hood. You would defend this murderer?
D’A. Justice demands all the facts.
Hood. Which palliate nothing.
D’A. Had the assassin destroyed my family, and deprived me of my civil rights in the name of the state, I too would have been a traitor!
Hood. Leave your sword at my headquarters, and consider yourself under arrest. Step aside.
D’A. I wash my hands of this murder about to be consummated.
Hood. Go to your quarters, sir. I command here. (D’A. leaves slowly. To Halcom.) You have heard the evidence against you—what have you to say?
Halcom. Of what use is a defence in such a court as this?
Hood. The court will hear an excuse, even.