in a mingled tone of astonishment
and regret, for he repudiated the idea that a Mediana would have
recourse to a cowardly subterfuge.

"I _was_ the Count de Mediana," replied the prisoner, with a haughty
smile, "until by my sword I acquired other titles. At present I am
known in Spain as the Duke de Armada. It is the name I shall transmit
to the descendant of my line, whom I may choose as my adopted son."

The latter phrase, incidentally spoken by the prisoner, proved in the
sequel his sole means of defence.

"Right," said Fabian, "the Duke de Armada shall hear of what crime Don
Antonio de Mediana is accused. Speak Bois-Rose! tell us what you know,
and nothing more."

The rough and energetic countenance of the gigantic descendant of the
Norman race, as he stood motionless beside them, his carbine supported
on his broad shoulder, was expressive of such calm integrity, that his
appearance alone banished all idea of perjury. Bois-Rose drew himself
up, slowly removed his fur cap, and in doing so discovered his fine open
brow to the gaze of all.

"I will only speak of what I know," said he.

"On a foggy night, in the month of November, 1808, I was a sailor on
board a French smuggling-vessel called the Albatros.

"We had landed according to a plan formed with the captain of the
carabiniers of Elanchovi, on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. I will not
relate to you," and here Pepe could not repress a smile, "how we were
fired upon, and repulsed from the shore where we had landed as friends.
It is sufficient for you to know that when we again reached our vessel,
I was attracted by the screams of a child, which seemed to come from the
depths of the ocean.

"These cries proceeded from a boat which had been abandoned.

"I pushed out towards it at the risk of my own life, since a brisk fire
was opened upon our ship.

"In this boat I found a lady murdered, and lying in her blood. She was
quite dead, and close to her was a little child who appeared to be
dying.

"I picked up the child--that child is now the man before us; his name is
Fabian.

"I took the child with me, and left the murdered lady in the boat. I do
not know who committed the crime, and have nothing further to say."

As he finished speaking, Bois-Rose again covered his head, and seated
himself in silence.

A mournful silence followed this declaration.

Fabian lowered his flashing eyes for an instant to the ground, then
raised them, calm and col