"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us this wretch, who now will tell the truth."
And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the marrow of his bones.
The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in vain of some new subterfuge.
Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly ensconced herself behind her husband.
Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.
None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed. Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.
"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.
"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to the charge."
"Accused—defend myself!" cried the old man.
"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton, coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."