"After due and deliberate trial by this Court, it has been found that the prisoner Edmund Stephens, is 'Guilty.' I do, therefore, declare the sentence of this court-martial to be, that the prisoner be taken forth this day, at one o'clock, and shot. And may God in His infinite bounty have mercy upon his soul."
CHAPTER IX.
THE STARS TAKE A NEW COURSE.
Monsieur Riel had been all this while pacing up and down his room. A tap came upon his door.
"Entrez. Ah, it is you, mon adjudant!"
"Oui, mon president."
"What tidings?"
"C'est accompli. The court-martial has found the prisoner guilty; and he is condemned to be shot at one o'clock this day."
"Monsieur is expeditious! Monsieur is zealous. C'est bon; c'est bon; merci, Monsieur." And the miscreant walked about delirious with his gratification. Then he came over to where his adjutant stood, and shook his hand; then he thrust his fingers through his hair, and half bellowed, his voice resembling that of some foul beast.
"La patrie has reason to be proud of her zealous son," and he again shook the hand of his infamous lieutenant. Then with a very low bow Jean left the room, saying, as he departed.