“I accuse you,” cried the Count stepping forward. “I myself discovered that you were absent from your post.”
“I grant it,” replied Thaddeus firmly; “and I await my punishment; but, beyond that, whoever was your informer is a vile slanderer.”
“Know you not that even for what you acknowledge to have done, your punishment is death?” said the Baron. “Confess therefore where you went, or expect no mercy.”
“I expect no mercy at your hands,” answered Thaddeus. “If I deserve death, I am prepared to meet it.”
“Hear me, obstinate youth,” cried the Baron, “you have held some communication with my once reputed son. You may do so again, but in the company of some trusty guards; and if I can see him safe within the walls of this fort, not only shall you go free, and your crime be overlooked, but your rise shall be rapid in the army, and honours and distinctions shall await you.”
At these words the prisoner seemed to gasp for breath. “Baron Galetzoff, I am in your power,” he exclaimed, “or you should pay dear for such an insult as you have now offered me. Think you that a son of my unhappy and enslaved country can be sunk so low as to hear calmly such vile propositions? No! you have torn us from our homes, you have taken from us our lands, you have ravaged our fields, you have overthrown our kingdom, and ruined our once proud families; but you cannot take from us our honour. I have ever been faithful to your Emperor, our conqueror. I defy your malice. I will speak no more.”
The Baron’s own stern eye sunk before the noble indignation of the prisoner, as standing before him without trembling, he folded his arms on his breast. “Madman,” cried the Baron furiously, “you bring your doom on your own head. No power in heaven or earth shall save you.”
Thaddeus spoke not, but looking towards heaven seemed to implore its aid.
“Colonel Erintoff,” continued the governor, “I commit this prisoner to your charge, and you will take measures that he does not escape.”
“I will strictly obey your orders, General,” said the Count with a significant and sinister look.