The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 108: what you’re looking at

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102 THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDI'S YOUNG CAPTAIN. ee «Who calls upon Annette ?” said a faint voice, in tones of sorrow. Frank was startled. “Whence comes that voice ?”’ he whispered, half aloud. ‘‘Surely it was all imaginary. No one could have heard me.” ‘‘ Who calls on the name of Annette?” said the voice again. ‘‘ Think not of her. She is condemned, and will shortly suffer ; but think well of what will to-night befall you. All hope, I fear, is lost! They are already preparing for your execution, ‘The council chairs are already placed. In two hours your fate will be decreed. I have heard all. fam Annette. Hush! speak not, some one approaches.” Frank listened again, and all was a death-like calm. “Tt must have been a dream, he thought,” and walked to and fro deep in meditation. Heavy footsteps were heard approaching. The locks were turned, A man, masked, with a hood over his head, and clothed from head to foot in a black cloak, was there, lantern in hand. Four brigands conducted Frank, two on each side ; the masked man led the way. Not a word was spoken; not a sound was audible, save the echo of their own footfalls in the passage, They approached the council chamber door. Frank walked in, followed by the cloaked stranger. The four brigands went their way. When Frank entered the council chamber he was surprised to behold twelve figures, cloaked, hooded, and masked in black. - They sat in avery large circle, but with no table before them. Frank felt that all were watching him as he entered, and could see their eyes through the eyelet holes of their masks glittering and sparkling. No one spoke a word. The apartment was very large, round, and lofty, and a single lamp hung from the centre of the roof. The president’s chair was empty. | Frank was placed in the centre of the figures, and stood proudly, like one conscious of his inno- cence, The last to enter was Basil. He was dressed like the rest, but from his un- steady gait it was plain that he had been drinking a great deal, as usual. He staggered to the president’s chair, and reclined at his ease. After a long pause he said— ‘The youngest member of the council (Ambrose) has already informed you of the chargés against the prisoner ?” “He has,” was the solemn and unanimous answer. “Ts he cuilty of killing Cavolti?” “He is,”’ was the awful response of all. Frank turned pale. ‘‘ He is accused of murdering his uncle also ; you have heard the statement, made, as usual, by the youngest member of the council, before the prisoner was brought in?” ‘We have.” * Are you satisfied as to his guilt?” 6h No,”’ “What is your wish ?” ‘Let he and his prosecutor appear face to face.” s A such your desire?” t is,” out, SN Basil appeared fretful and annoyed at»this, but was apparently so tipsy that he could scarcely keep his eyes open. “) “ Bring in the accuser,” said Basil. Ambrose went forth, and soon returned, | He was quickly followed by a youthful-looking person, who cast down his eyes, and would not look at the prisoner fairly in the face, Directly Frank saw him he staggered back a step or two in amazement. ‘Wi “Tt is—it is Joel Flint disguised,” he muttered, with astonishment, Belay? At that moment one of the council put a small slip of paper into the hands of Ambrose. ; Ambrose looked at it, and then addressed the aceused thus— “T am appointed to conduct this case, by the counci]’s desire ; you must answer a few questions,”’ The stranger bowed, and a sardonic smile lit u his features, ‘Your name is——”’ ** Schmidt.” “And you know the prisoner ?” “‘ITdo. He is the one who murdered his unele, old Mr. Ford.” “°Tis false!’ said Frank, with a bitter oath, “ Tis false, craven-hearted knave! Thy name is not Schmidt. Basil, his name is Joel Flint. On my life I swear it !” At the bare mention of his own name, Joel turned pale, and trembled as he said— ' ‘Worthy Basil, believe not the unblushing scoundrel. Iam ot what he would represent me, Thou hast had ample proof of my trust in thee, and of my truth.” : “What means the stranger?” said one of the twelve. ‘ We are the judges in this case. ‘Captain Basil is president only. He cannot decide a case like this without us.” L Basil was half stupid with drink, and if he dis- tine heard, he did not understand what had been sald. ; “What mean you by ample proof, stranger?” Ambrose asked. ; ‘“‘ Why many,” answered the stranger, “I knew not that all this ceremony was needed, or I would not have come, I demand the prisoner in the name of justice, “Fear not,” said Ambrose. “Justice shall be done, and to both. Brigands as we are, we know not what money is in a question of life or death, at least not in this case. What says Captain Basil ?” ‘‘T quite agree to that. There seems to be a dis- pute as to the truth or falsehood of each other’s statements. I know not what he means by money.” “What!” gasped the stranger, “T haye not received a farthing from any one, If he persists in saying so,’ said Basil, “the stranger lies, that’s all, Let them decide their question fairly by battle. There’s nothing like it, is there lads ?” . ‘“ No,’ said the council, as one man. ‘Fight |? gasped the stranger. “I refuse to do anything of the sort.” ? “Why, an hour or two ago, you said nothing would give you greater pleasure than to cut his throat, didn’t you?” *“T know nothing about what I did or did not say, but I refuse to draw weapons with this base fellow here.” ‘Then you are a coward,” said Basil. “You were quite valorous until just now; and, by my wrath, since you swear I received money from Yor, which the brigand council well’ knows to be a lie for I wouldn't do such a thing, you shail fight,” GComicbookszeom