The victim did not speak, but slowly inclined his head in hopeless submission to his fate.
“You have nothing to say for yourself. Is there any one to speak for you?”
One of the bushrangers sprang forward impetuously. “Yes, captain, I will speak for him.”
Captain Stockton frowned fiercely, but uttered one word, “Speak!”
The daring outlaw, who had stepped forward a little from the line, commenced: “This man is my brother. We were nursed by the same mother, we played together by the same fireside, we grew into manhood together, and together we joined this band of brothers.”
He paused a moment, and the captain said briefly, “Well?”
“Now,” continued the brother, “you would condemn him to a shameful death, which he does not deserve.”
“Was he not caught attempting to escape? Answer me instantly.”
“Yes, but he had no intention of betraying any of us.”
“What then was his object?” demanded Captain Stockton sternly.