esisting.

"No, no: you must go."

"I will speak to the general," replied I, pushing the corporal on one
side, and walking to where the general was standing.

"Well," said the general, fiercely.

"I wish to know, sir," replied I, "by what law you are guided in
shooting us. We are English officers, here on duty to assist against
the French, and at the most can only be prisoners of war. Upon what
grounds do you order us to be shot?"

"As spies," replied the general.

"I am no spy, sir; I am a post-captain in the English navy, who joined
with the seamen saved from the wreck of my frigate in the attack upon
Cuxhaven, and there is my boatswain, who came up with me to go to
Hamburg. At all events, I am fully justified in siding against the
French: and to shoot us will be a murder, which will not fail to be
revenged."

"You may pass yourself off as the captain of a frigate, but your dress
disproves it, and I have better information. You are two spies, and
smugglers, and therefore you will be shot."

"I tell you before all your officers that I am Captain Keene, of the
Circe frigate, belonging to His Britannic Majesty, and no spy; if you
choose to shoot me now, I leave my death to be revenged by my country."

At this moment an officer in naval uniform stepped forward and looked me
in the face.

"General Moraud," said he, "what that officer says is true: he is
Captain Keene, and I was prisoner on board of his vessel; and I also
know the other man as well."

"Captain Vangilt, I do not request your interference," replied the
general.

"But general, as an officer in the marine of the emperor, it is my duty
to state to you, that you are deceived, and that this officer is the
person that he states himself to be. Messieurs," continued Captain
Vangilt, addressing those about the general, "I assure you it is true,
and I am under the greatest obligation to this officer for his kindness
and humanity when I was his prisoner."

"I recognise you now, Mr Vangilt," replied I; "and I thank you for your
evidence."

"You see, general, he knows me by name: I must demand the life of this
British officer."

The other officers then spoke to the general, who heard all they had to
say, and then, with a sardonic grin, replied,--"Gentlemen, he may be an
officer, but still he is a spy." At that moment an orderly came up on
horseback, and, dismounting, gave a note to the general.

"_Sacre bleu_!" cried he; "then we'll have our re