“Si—­you did say your name was Giac Smees, and you did not say you were Raoul Yvard.  But, Signore, I saw you firing your cannon at the boats of this frigate, with French colors flying, and that is some signs of an enemy, as we understand these matters in Porto Ferrajo.”

Raoul felt that this was a direct blow; still, it wanted the connecting link to make it testimony.

“But you did not see me doing this?—­You mean you saw ze Ving-and-Ving in a combat with the frigate’s boats.”

“Si—­that was it—­but you told me you were commander of ze Ving-y-Ving.”

“Let us understand you,” put in the Judge Advocate—­“is it the intention of the prisoner to deny his being a Frenchman and an enemy?”

“It is my intention, sir, to deny everything that is not proved.”

“But your accent—­your English—­nay, your appearance show that you are a Frenchman?”

“Your pardon, sir.  There are many nations that speak French which are not French to-day.  All along the north frontier of France is French spoken by foreigners—­Savoy, and Geneva, and Vaud—­also the English have French subjects in the Canadas, besides Guernsey and Jersey.  You will not hang a man because his accent is not from London?”

“We shall do you justice, prisoner,” observed Cuffe, “and you shall have the benefit of every doubt that makes in your favor.  Still, it may be well to inform you that the impression of your being a Frenchman and Raoul Yvard is very strong; and if you can show to the contrary, you would do well to prove it by direct testimony.”

“How will this honorable court expect that to be done?  I was taken in a boat last night and am tried this morning at a notice as short as that which was given to Caraccioli.  Give me time to send for witnesses, and I will prove who and what I am.”

This was said coolly and with the air of a man assured of his own innocence, and it produced a slight effect on his judges; for an appeal to the unvarying principles of right seldom falls unheeded on the ear.  Nevertheless, there could be no doubt in the minds of the officers of the Proserpine, in particular, either as to the character of the lugger or as to that of the prisoner; and men, under such circumstances, were not likely to allow an enemy who had done them so much injury to escape.  The appeal only rendered them more cautious, and more determined to protect themselves against charges of unfair proceedings.

“Have you any further questions to put to the witness, prisoner?” inquired the president of the court.

“None at present, sir—­we will go on, if you please, gentlemen.”

“Call Ithuel Bolt,” said the Judge Advocate, reading the new witness’s name from a list before him.

Raoul started, for the idea of the American’s being brought forward in this capacity had never occurred to him.  In a minute Ithuel appeared, was sworn, and took his place at the foot of the table.