the regiment. Nor was this impression a false one. An event,
apparently little likely to unveil a treasonable intention, soon
unmasked the true character of the prisoner and the nature of his
mission."

He then proceeded to narrate with circumstantial accuracy the night in
the George's Street barracks, when Hilliard, Crofts, and some others
came with Bubbleton to his quarters to decide a wager between two of the
parties. Calling the attention of the jury to this part of the case, he
detailed the scene which occurred; and, if I could trust my memory, not
a phrase, not a word escaped him which had been said.

"It was then, gentlemen," said he, "at that instant, that the prisoner's
habitual caution failed him, and in an unguarded moment developed the
full story of his guilt. Captain Bubbleton lost his wager, of which my
client was the winner. The habits of the service are peremptory in these
matters; it was necessary that payment should be made at once. Bubbleton
had not the means of discharging his debt, and while he looked around
among his comrades for assistance, the prisoner steps forward and
supplies the sum. Mark what followed.

"A sudden call of service now summoned the officers beneath; all save
Crofts, who, not being on duty, had no necessity for accompanying them.
The bank-note so opportunely furnished by the prisoner lay on the table;
and this Crofts proceeded leisurely to open and examine before he left
the room. Slowly unfolding the paper, he spread it out before him; and
what, think you, gentlemen, did the paper display? A Bank of England
bill for twenty pounds, you'll say, of course. Far from it, indeed! The
paper was a French assignat, bearing the words, 'Payez au porteur la
somme de deux mille livres.' Yes; the sum so carelessly thrown on the
table by this youth was an order for eighty pounds, issued by the French
Government.

"Remember the period, gentlemen, when this occurred. We had just
passed the threshold of a most fearful and sanguinary rebellion,--the
tranquillity of the land scarce restored after a convulsion that shook
the very constitution and the throne to their centres. The interference
of France in the affairs of the country had not been a mere threat; her
ships had sailed, her armies had landed, and though the bravery and the
loyalty of our troops had made the expedition result in utter defeat
and overthrow, the emissaries of the land of anarchy yet lingered on our
shores, and dissemina