rible words with an ever-increasing
paleness and visible agitation. Finally, clapping a hand to his face as
though seized with a sudden illness, he started to rise and leave the
room.

"Sit down," ordered Skiff Bettens, in a low tone, at the same time
jerking him back to his seat. Then the man knew that he was indeed a
prisoner.

"To prove these serious charges," continued the Judge, "I am about to
call several witnesses. At the same time the prisoner will be given the
privilege of cross-questioning them and of pleading in his own behalf.
Mr. Philip Ryder."

At this summons Phil advanced from the farther end of the room, and the
prisoner regarded him with undisguised amazement.

After answering the usual questions regarding his personality and
business, Phil was asked if he knew the prisoner.

"I do," he answered.

"What is his name?"

"I understand that he now calls himself Bradwick; but a few months ago
he went by the name of Strengel."

[Illustration: "THAT'S A LIE!" SHOUTED THE PRISONER, HOARSELY.]

"That's a lie," shouted the prisoner, hoarsely.

"Silence!" commanded the Judge. "Now, Mr. Ryder, tell the jury what you
know concerning the accused from the time of your first meeting with him
up to the present."

This Phil did as briefly as possible, and when he had finished the
prisoner sprang to his feet, his face black with rage, and exclaimed:
"Why should this fellow's story be believed rather than mine? Who knows
anything about him, or even who he is? He was picked up in Bering Sea,
drifting about in a stolen canoe. At St. Michaels he was known as a
thief and brawler. I happen to know that he has been locked up in a
Victoria police station, and I demand that his evidence be thrown out."

"That will do, sir," said the Judge. "I happen to know this young man
and his family so well that I am willing to vouch for him if necessary.
Do you wish to question him? No. Then we will proceed. Mr. Serge
Belcofsky."

Serge, of course, identified the prisoner as Strengel, and corroborated
Phil's story in every detail.

"This ends the testimony on the first charge," announced the Judge, when
Serge had finished and the prisoner sullenly declined to question him.
"In proof of the second charge, that of robbery and desertion, I call as
a witness Mr. Jalap Coombs."

As the ex-mate of the _Seamew_ advanced to the stand the prisoner stared
at him as though he were a ghost, nor could he imagine by what miracle
this