"Can you prove what you have just averred, Raoul Yvard?" demanded the Judge Advocate.
"Monsieur--I fear it will not be in my power. There is one--but--I much fear it will not be in my power--unless, indeed, I am permitted to examine my companion; he who has already been before you."
"You mean Ithuel Bolt, I presume. He has not yet been regularly before us, but you can produce him or any other witness; the court reserving to itself the right to decide afterward on the merits of the testimony."
"Then, Monsieur, I could wish to have Etoo-ell here."
The necessary directions were given, and Ithuel soon stood in the presence of his judges. The oath was tendered, and Ithuel took it like a man who had done such things before.
"Your name is Ithuel Bolt?" commenced the Judge Advocate.
"So they call me on board this ship--but if I am to be a witness, let me swear freely; I don't wish to have words put into my mouth, or idees chained to me with iron."
As this was said, Ithuel raised his arms and exhibited his handcuffs, which the master-at-arms had refused to remove, and the officers of the court had overlooked. A reproachful glance from Cuffe and a whisper from Yelverton disposed of the difficulty--Ithuel was released.
"Now I can answer more conscientiously," continued the witness, grinning sardonically; "when iron is eating into the flesh, a man is apt to swear to what he thinks will be most agreeable to his masters. Go on, 'squire, if you have anything to say."
"You appear to be an Englishman."