"I was going to join my company of militia, in order to be present at morning exercise," answered the prisoner, undauntedly. "Your sergeant laid hands on me without warrant or warning on a public thoroughfare, and I shot him in self-defence. What would you have done in my place?"
"Insolence will not avail you. If you would save yourself from the gallows, you have but one way. You must make a clean breast of it."
Le Gallais made no answer, but stooping down, drew a letter out of his boot and threw it on the table. The governor started as he read the address:—
"For the honoured hands of Sir George Carteret, Knight and Baronet, these."
He cut the string and opened the missive. After reading a few lines he looked up.
"Clear the room," he said; and as the clerk and guards obeyed, he added, in a changed tone:—
"Be seated, M. Le Gallais!
"This letter, as you probably know, is from Mr. Prynne, of the Parliament. Why did you not bring it to me at once?"
"I should have done so," answered Le Gallais.
"It contains matter of the utmost moment," added the governor, after finishing the perusal. "Are you aware of its contents?"