This was said coolly and with the air of a man assured of his own innocence, and it produced a slight effect on his judges; for an appeal to the unvarying principles of right seldom falls unheeded on the ear. Nevertheless, there could be no doubt in the minds of the officers of the Proserpine, in particular, either as to the character of the lugger or as to that of the prisoner; and men, under such circumstances, were not likely to allow an enemy who had done them so much injury to escape. The appeal only rendered them more cautious, and more determined to protect themselves against charges of unfair proceedings.
"Have you any further questions to put to the witness, prisoner?" inquired the president of the court.
"None at present, sir--we will go on, if you please, gentlemen."
"Call Ithuel Bolt," said the Judge Advocate, reading the new witness's name from a list before him.
Raoul started, for the idea of the American's being brought forward in this capacity had never occurred to him. In a minute Ithuel appeared, was sworn, and took his place at the foot of the table.
"Your name is Ithuel Bolt?" observed the Judge Advocate, holding his pen in readiness to record the answer.
"So they say aboard here," answered the witness, coolly--"though, for my part, I've no answer to give to such a question."
"I deny nothing--want to say nothing, or to have anything to do with this trial or this ship."
Raoul breathed easier; for, to own the truth, he had not much confidence in Ithuel's constancy or disinterestedness; and he apprehended that he had been purchased with the promise of a pardon for himself.
"You will remember that you are under oath, and may be punished for contumacy on refusing to answer."
"I've some gineral idees of law," answered Ithuel, passing his hand over his queue to make sure it was right, "for we all do a little at that in Ameriky. I practised some myself, when a young man, though it was only afore a justice-peace. _We_ used to hold that a witness needn't answer ag'in himself."
"Is it, then, on account of criminating yourself that you answer thus vaguely?"
"I decline answering that question," answered Ithuel, with an air of dignity.
"Witness, have you any personal knowledge of the prisoner?"