“Mr. Wallingford,” Lord Harry commenced, “I hold it to be no more than fair to let you know that your mate’s account of the manner in which the Speedy’s people got out of the Dawn, and your own, do not agree in a single particular.  Here is his statement, taken down by myself from his own words; if you are disposed to hear it, I will read you what he says.”

“I do not well see how Mr. Marble can contradict me and tell the truth, my lord—­but it were better I should hear his statement.”

“’I was first-mate of the Dawn, of New York, Miles Wallingford master and owner.  Captured and ordered in by Speedy, as known.  Three days after parting company with the frigate, with Mr. Sennit as prize-master, Captain Wallingford and I commenced reasoning with that gentleman on the impropriety of sending in a neutral and breaking up a promising voyage, which so overcame the said Lieutenant Sennit, in his mind, that he consented to take the ship’s yawl with a suitable stock of provisions and water, and give us up the ship.  Accordingly, the boat was lowered, properly stowed, the most tender anxiety manifested for the party that was to go in her, when the English took their leave with tears in their eyes, and hearty good wishes for our safe arrival at Hamburg.’”

“Am I to understand you seriously, Lord Harry Dermond, that my mate has actually given you this account of the affair, for fact?”

“Most seriously, sir.  I believe he even offered to swear to it, though I dispensed with that ceremony.  Here is the statement of the black.  Perhaps you would wish to hear that also?”

“Anything, my lord, it is your pleasure to communicate.”

“Nebuchadnezzar Clawbonny says, ’he belonged to the Dawn—­was left in her, when captured by Speedy, and was in her when wrecked.  Captain Wallingford ordered Mr. Sennit to quit his ship, or he would make him; and Mr. Sennit obeyed Master Miles, of course,’ But I will read no more of this, as a slave’s statement can hardly be relied on.  Perhaps we ought not to have received it, Mr. Clements?”

“Your pardon, my lord; it is our duty to protect his Majesty’s subjects, in the best mode we can.”

“That may be true, sir; but certain great principles ought never to be overlooked, even when doing our duty.  You perceive, Mr. Wallingford, that your companions contradict your own account of this affair; and the most unpleasant suspicions are awakened.  I should never justify myself to my superiors, were I to neglect putting you under arrest, and carrying you all in for trial.”

“If my companions have been so ill-judging as to make the statements you say, I can only regret it.  I have told you the truth; and I can add no more.  As for the future, I do not suppose any representation of mine will induce you to change your decision.”

“You carry it off well, sir; and I hope you will maintain the same appearance of innocence to the end.  The lives of the king’s subjects are not to be taken with impunity, nevertheless.”