“It’s terrible to think of it,” he said at last. “Still, I suppose it must be done.”
“It must,” returned Lord Hastings.
“Will there be need of a trial first, sir?”
“A trial, of course, is only a formality. Nevertheless, he must have one.”
“When, sir?”
“The court martial will sit in half an hour.”
“And will be composed of how many, sir?”
“Six. Mr. Templeton, yourself, Johnson, Smith, one of the sailors and myself. It will sit here in my cabin.”
“Very good, sir. I shall be here.”
Half an hour later the prisoner faced his judges. Lord Hastings addressed him.