of society, the real motive for the existence of all human regulations of this nature; and it is a great merit of the much-abused English ordinances, that the laws are rarely made stalking-horses for the benefit of the murderer or the forger; but that once fairly tried and convicted, the expiation of their crimes awaits the offenders with a certainty and energy that leave the impression on the community that punishments were intended to produce.  That this people has done well in liberating itself from many of their inherited usages and laws, is as certain as that one age has interests different from another; one set of circumstances governing principles at variance with those which preceded them; but it would be well also to remember that, while moral changes are as necessary as physical exercise, there are truths that are eternal, and rules of right and prudence which can never be departed from with impunity.

When the members of the court mentioned assembled in the cabin of the Proserpine, it was with all the forms and exterior observances that were necessary to command respect.  The officers were in full dress, the oaths were administered with solemnity, the table was arranged with taste, and an air of decent gravity reigned over all.  Little time, however, was lost unnecessarily, and the officer to whom had been assigned the duty of prevot-marshal was directed to produce his prisoners.

Raoul Yvard and Ithuel Bolt were brought into the cabin at the same moment, though they came from different parts of the ship, and were allowed to hold no communication with each other.  When both were present, they were arraigned, and the accusations were read to them.  Raoul having admitted his knowledge of English, no interpreter was sworn, but the proceedings were had in the usual manner.  As it was intended to try the Frenchman first, and Ithuel might be wanted as a witness, the latter was taken out of the cabin again, courts-martial never permitting one witness to hear what another has testified, although an ingenious substitute for ears has been adopted of late, by publishing in the journals, from day to day, whatever passes, when the length of the proceedings will admit of such a device.

“We will now swear the Signor Andrea Barrofaldi,” commenced the Judge Advocate, as soon as the preliminaries were observed.  “This is a Catholic bible, sir, and I will put the oaths in Italian if you will have the goodness first to swear me in as an interpreter.”

This was done, when the oath was duly administered to the vice-governatore.  Then came a few questions as to the station, country, etc., of the witness, after which more material matter was inquired into.

“Signor Vice-Governatore, do you know the prisoner by sight?” demanded the Judge Advocate.

“Sir, I have had the honor to receive him in my residence in the island of Elba.”

“Under what name and circumstances was he known to you, Signore?”