“On the 17th ultimo, I was present at his capture, a short distance from Fort Garry.  He was armed, and was in company with a number of other armed persons who had leagued themselves under one Major Boulton, with the object of capturing Fort Garry, and overthrowing the Provisional Government as established in this colony.”

“Have you seen him since his imprisonment in the Fort?”

“I have seen him every day since.”

“Will you please state what have been his demeanour and conduct as a prisoner?”

“He has been insulting and disorderly in the last degree.”

“Will you specify a few particular examples?”

“I have frequently heard him describe the Provisional Government and its supporters as a band of mongrel rough-scruffs, a greasy, insolent, nest of traitors; and a lot of looting, riotous, unwashed savages.  He has used language of this sort ever since his entry into the Fort.  Likewise, I have heard him say, that he would have the pleasure of assisting in hanging Monsieur Riel to a prairie poplar; and in putting tar and feathers upon his unwashed, hungry followers.”

“Has he been guilty of any acts of violence?”

“He has been guilty of acts of violence.  When he became unbearably insubordinate I found it to be my duty to put irons upon him.  As I approached him with the handcuffs he smote me twice in the face, and I yet carry the mark that he gave me. [Here the precious half-breed pointed to his right eye, which was a dusky purple.] This black eye I received from one of his blows.”

“That will do, Luc.”

Another witness with the movements of a snake, and eyes as black as sloes, was called; and he gave evidence which tallied exactly with that sworn to by Luc Lestang.  This, of course, was not a very extraordinary coincidence, for he had been present while the first miscreant was giving his evidence.  But poor Scott, whose life was the issue of all the swearing, was not permitted to be present, but was kept without in a distant room, chained there like a wild beast.

“The Court,” said the adjutant-general, “has heard the accusation against this man; and its duty now is to consider whether or not the safety, the peace, the well-being of the government and the state, demands that the extreme penalty should be visited upon this common disturber and enemy both.  The question is, whether he is worthy of Death, or not.  You will retire gentlemen,—­” there were four of them, exclusive of witnesses, and the clerk—­“and find your verdict.”

They were absent about two minutes.  The foreman then advancing said: 

“Monsieur Adjutant, WE FIND THE PRISONER SCOTT, GUILTY.”

Then drawing upon his head a black cap, the adjutant said: 

“After due and deliberate trial by this Court, it has been found that the prisoner Thomas Scott, 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 mercy, have mercy upon his soul.”