The adjutant hastened to acquit himself of this laconic order, and soon afterwards returned, stating not only that there was no rope, but that the hook alluded to had disappeared altogether.

For a moment the cheek of the prisoner paled; but it was evidently less from any fear connected with his individual existence, than from the shame he felt at having been detected in a supposed falsehood.  He however speedily recovered his self-possession, and exhibited the same character of unconcern by which his general bearing throughout the trial had been distinguished.

On this announcement of the adjutant, the governor betrayed a movement of impatience, that was meant to convey his utter disbelief of the whole of the prisoner’s statement, and his look seemed to express to the court it should also arrive, and without hesitation, at the same conclusion.  Even all authoritative as he was, however, he felt that military etiquette and strict discipline prevented his interfering further in this advanced state of the proceedings.

“Prisoner,” again remarked Captain Blessington, “your statement in regard to the means employed by Captain de Haldimar in effecting his departure, is, you must admit, unsupported by appearances.  How happens it the rope is no longer where you say it was placed?  No one could have removed it but yourself.  Have you done so? and if so, can you produce it, or say where it is to be found?”

“Captain Blessington,” replied Halloway, proudly, yet respectfully, “I have already invoked that great Being, before whose tribunal I am so shortly to appear, in testimony of the truth of my assertion; and again, in his presence, do I repeat, every word I have uttered is true.  I did not remove the rope, neither do I know what is become of it.  I admit its disappearance is extraordinary, but a moment’s reflection must satisfy the court I would not have devised a tale, the falsehood of which could at once have been detected on an examination such as that which has just been instituted.  When Mr. Lawson left this room just now, I fully expected he would have found the rope lying as it had been left.  What has become of it, I repeat, I know not; but in the manner I have stated did Captain de Haldimar and Donellan cross the ditch.  I have nothing further to add,” he concluded once more, drawing up his fine tall person, the native elegance of which could not be wholly disguised even in the dress of a private soldier; “nothing further to disclose.  Yet do I repel with scorn the injurious insinuation against my fidelity, suggested in these doubts.  I am prepared to meet my death as best may become a soldier, and, let me add, as best may become a proud and well born gentleman; but humanity and common justice should at least be accorded to my memory.  I am an unfortunate man, but no traitor.”

The members were visibly impressed by the last sentences of the prisoner.  No further question however was asked, and he was again removed by the escort, who had been wondering spectators of the scene, to the cell he had so recently occupied.  The room was then cleared of the witnesses and strangers, the latter comprising nearly the whole of the officers off duty, when the court proceeded to deliberate on the evidence, and pass sentence on the accused.