“A prisoner we captur’d last night,” said Putney. “I calc’late he’s one of th’ cap’n’s gang; he seems to know him.”
“My man, who are you?” said the judge, “and what do you know about the prisoner?”
The stranger hung his head, but did not reply.
“Speak out, I conjure you!” cried the judge. “If you can give any information in this matter, that will serve to clear up the mystery, you shall be set at liberty.”
These words seemed to take effect upon him, and he appeared to be more at ease.
“Do you know the prisoner?” again asked the judge, eagerly.
“Shall I have my liberty if I tell?”
“Yes, I pledge you my word you shall.”
The man again held down his head, and after some moments, ventured a sly glance at Edgar, who all the time seemed to be regarding him with astonishment. Turning alternately red and pale, apparently doing battle with himself, he replied:
“He’s the Tory chief, Iron Hand.”