clandestine approach to a place
where it must have been well-known to him landing could be only allowed
by the special permission of the Governor, and told that it was
perfectly evident his coming could have but one intent, to aid in the
escape of the prisoner who had been so long in the island--the Count
spoke out at once bravely and earnestly in the defence of those who were
there standing as fellow-prisoners.

He wished, he said, to exonerate the English doctor and the captain of
the schooner from all participation in his attempt. They had met on the
high seas quite by accident, and finding how carefully the prison of his
august master was watched, he had led the doctor into the belief that he
too was engaged upon a scientific expedition.

Just then the eyes of the two lads met, and as Rodd darted an angry
indignant look at Morny, the latter made a deprecating gesture, while he
seemed to say, Be merciful; you do not know all.

The Count went on, taking the whole blame of the proceedings upon
himself, and asking for mercy for his son, who had acted entirely under
his orders and had been perfectly obedient, as a son should be. As he
spoke these words he looked hard at Rodd, and then at his uncle, who
stood frowning there.

"I failed in my enterprise," continued the Count, "for I was growing
desperate at the difficulties which surrounded me. Certain signals
should have answered mine, and the lights which were shown from the
direction of the shore were not exactly those which I anticipated. But,
as I have said, I was growing desperate at my want of success, and in
the hope that after all these signals might mean that my august master
would be brought off in a fishing-boat, I risked all and allowed myself
to be deluded, as it were, into what proved to be a trap. I have no
more to say, gentlemen, save this, that I ask no mercy for myself.
Whatever the English laws award to one who has acted as I have done, I
accept. But my son, as I have said, was entirely under my orders, and
as for my crew, they have only been my faithful servants, and tried to
carry out my will. England must be too brave to wish to punish such as
these. As to the doctor, his nephew, and the crew of the schooner, it
would be absurd for England after my explanation to say more to them
than `Go in peace.'"

There was perfect silence for a minute or so, and then the Governor, one
of his staff, an officer of foot who was the commander of the mil