t as a defence, is not interesting to read. It is
long-winded; there is a loose theatricality in the reporting of it,
which does not amount to unveracity, yet which tends that way. We shall
suppose him successful, beyond hope, in proving and disproving; and skip
largely,--to the catastrophe, almost at two steps.

'"But after all," said one of the Judges, "there is no smoke without
kindling; tell us why they accuse you of that."--"I was about to do
so"'--Jourgniac does so; with more and more success.

'"Nay," continued I, "they accuse me even of recruiting for the
Emigrants!" At these words there arose a general murmur. "O Messieurs,
Messieurs," I exclaimed, raising my voice, "it is my turn to speak; I
beg M. le President to have the kindness to maintain it for me; I never
needed it more."--"True enough, true enough," said almost all the judges
with a laugh: "Silence!"

'While they were examining the testimonials I had produced, a new
Prisoner was brought in, and placed before the President. "It was one
Priest more," they said, "whom they had ferreted out of the Chapelle."
After very few questions: "A la Force!" He flung his breviary on
the table: was hurled forth, and massacred. I reappeared before the
tribunal.

'"You tell us always," cried one of the judges, with a tone of
impatience, "that you are not this, that you are not that: what are you
then?"--"I was an open Royalist."--There arose a general murmur; which
was miraculously appeased by another of the men, who had seemed to take
an interest in me: "We are not here to judge opinions," said he, "but
to judge the results of them." Could Rousseau and Voltaire both in one,
pleading for me, have said better?--"Yes, Messieurs," cried I, "always
till the Tenth of August, I was an open Royalist. Ever since the Tenth
of August that cause has been finished. I am a Frenchman, true to my
country. I was always a man of honour."

'"My soldiers never distrusted me. Nay, two days before that business
of Nanci, when their suspicion of their officers was at its height,
they chose me for commander, to lead them to Luneville, to get back the
prisoners of the Regiment Mestre-de-Camp, and seize General Malseigne."'
Which fact there is, most luckily, an individual present who by a
certain token can confirm.

'The President, this cross-questioning being over, took off his hat and
said: "I see nothing to suspect in this man; I am for granting him his
liberty. Is that your vote?" To