XX THE PENALTY OF A BIRTH-MARK
If Marbury had played for effect, he could not have done it better.
For an instant, no one spoke—no one even stirred. Then, the Governor recovered himself.
"My God! man! do you realize what you have said?" he exclaimed.
"I do," said Marbury; "and I am ready to prove it." He strode to the window. "Let Jamison and his mate come in!" he shouted.
At the same time, the Governor raised his voice.
"Herford!" he called, "the guard! the guard!—Your pardon, sir," addressing Brandon, "but the seriousness of the charge obligates it."
De Lysle had sprung up in indignation; Brandon stayed him with a gesture.
"I understand," he said, crossing his legs, with unconcern. "It is a proper precaution. If I were Long-Sword, there might be need for them. As I am not he, I must ask Mr. Marbury to produce his evidence at once. It is scarcely fitting, that Sir Charles Brandon rest under an imputation so serious, an instant longer than is required to disprove it."