"Then let a drum-head court-martial be assembled
immediately, Mr. Lawson, and without reference to the
roster let the senior officers be selected."
The Adjutant went round to the respective divisions, and
in a low voice warned Captain Blessington, and the four
senior subalterns, for that duty. One by one the officers,
as they were severally called upon, left their places in
the square, and sheathing their swords, stepped into that
part of the area appointed as their temporary court. They
were now all assembled, and Captain Blessington, the
senior of his rank in the garrison, was preparing to
administer the customary oaths, when the prisoner Halloway
advanced a pace or two in front of his escort, and removing
his cap, in a clear, firm, but respectful voice, thus
addressed the Governor:--
"Colonel de Haldimar, that I am no traitor, as I have
already told you, the Almighty God, before whom I swore
allegiance to his Majesty, can bear me witness. Appearances,
I own, are against me; but, so far from being a traitor,
I would have shed my last drop of blood in defence of
the garrison and your family.
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