A single glance at the faces of my judges extinguished the tiny spark of hope which struggled to keep alive in my breast.
The president spoke in impressive tones, every word sounding distinctly in the quiet room.
It was a long speech, but the whole of it might easily have been compressed into a dozen sentences.
On the first two counts--refusing to surrender at Vilagos, and joining a band of notorious outlaws--I was unanimously found guilty, and sentenced to death.
After this, one would have thought the rest to be of little interest, but the president gravely continued his remarks.
The unlawful killing of Ober was also considered proved, and on the various other charges laid against me the court expressed no opinion.
"Therefore," concluded the president in a solemn voice, "it becomes my painful duty to tell you, George Botskay. that on the second morning from this you will be led out to execution in the market-place of this town, that your death may act as a warning to all those who vainly hope to oppose the imperial government."
My limbs trembled, the blood left my face, but, managing to control my voice, I said calmly, "As a soldier, general, you will know a soldier's feelings. I do not plead for mercy, but there is one favour I would like to beg."
"Speak on, Herr Botskay. It may be in our power to grant it."
"Then I ask that you will at least permit me to die the death of a soldier, and not that of a criminal."