"General Luxton," Rupert said, calmly, "the accused, in denying the truth of my statement, mentions the names of two men whom he admits were witnesses of this lamentable occurrence. Might I suggest that they be called to give their version?"
The General nodded assent, and the thing was done. But Hilton was the only one who answered the summons, and on reference to a list of the killed and wounded it was found that Fenwick was reported missing.
"John Hilton, the accused has appealed to you to give evidence on his behalf. Let us hear what you saw of him during the recent fighting."
The man, an ordinary-looking private, stepped forward and saluted.
"I only saw him for a moment, sir," he said, slowly, and with a marked reluctance. "I was riding behind Lieutenant Devereux when I saw him leave his company and pass us a few yards to the left. It struck me that he looked very pale, and I thought that perhaps he was wounded."
"He did not leave his company to come to your master's assistance, then?"
"Certainly not, sir. We were not in any need of it. None of the enemy were near us."
"Thank you. You can go, Hilton."
The man saluted and went.
There was a dead silence for a full minute. Then there came a passionate, hysterical cry from the prisoner—