emand."

Chanlouineau laughed loudly.

"Very naturally," he exclaimed. "To-morrow my head will be off, and
you think nothing will then remain to prove what I say. I have another
proof, fortunately--material and indestructible proof--which it is
beyond your power to destroy, and which will speak when my body is six
feet under ground."

"What is the proof?" demanded another judge, upon whom the duke looked
askance.

The prisoner shook his head.

"I will give it to you when you offer me my life in exchange for it,"
he replied. "It is now in the hands of a trusty person, who knows its
value. It will go to the King if necessary. We would like to
understand the part which the Marquis de Sairmeuse has played in
this affair--whether he was truly with us, or whether he was only an
instigating agent."

A tribunal regardful of the immutable rules of justice, or even of its
own honor, would, by virtue of its discretionary powers, have instantly
demanded the presence of the Marquis de Sairmeuse.

But the military commission considered such a course quite beneath its
dignity.

These men arrayed in gorgeous uniforms were not judges charged with the
vindication of a cruel law, but still a law--they were the instruments,
commissioned by the conquerors, to strike the vanquished in the name of
that savage code which may be summed up in two words: "_vae victis_."

The president, the noble Duc de Sairmeuse, would not have consented to
summon Martial on any consideration. Nor did his associate judges wish
him to do so.

Had Chanlouineau foreseen this? Probably. Yet, why had he ventured so
hazardous a blow?

The tribunal, after a short deliberation, decided that it would not
admit this testimony which had so excited the audience, and stupefied
Maurice and Abbe Midon.

The examination was continued, therefore, with increased bitterness.

"Instead of designating imaginary leaders," resumed the duke, "you would
do well to name the real instigator of this revolt--not Lacheneur,
but an individual seated upon the other end of the bench, the elder
d'Escorval----"

"Monsieur le Baron d'Escorval was entirely ignorant of the conspiracy, I
swear it by all that I hold most sacred----"

"Hold your tongue!" interrupted the counsel for the prosecution.
"Instead of wearying the patience of the commission by such ridiculous
stories, try to merit its indulgence."

Chanlouineau's glance and gesture expressed such disdain that the man
who