"As one man and another," I cried, "for Sir Hugh knew not that I was a woman until later. I will admit that he was unsuspicious of me, and that gave me the only advantage by which I could have hoped to overcome so tried a soldier. As for the rest, sirs, it happened as I have said. It was pure kindness of heart toward me. And what would have been gained by handing poor me over to punishment since the warrant had been destroyed, sirs?" "That was not a matter about which a soldier need have inquired," said General Ramesay. "He had a certain duty to do. He failed to do it. He has been arrested, tried, condemned." "But not executed!" I cried, laying my hand upon my heart and turning very white. "Not yet, madam," said the General, looking very stern. "How could he be tried without me as the principal witness?" "He hath admitted everything, except to disclose your name, rank, and whereabouts." "Indeed, madam, you yourself are a prisoner and must submit to the same trial," interrupted the Justice. "Nay, not so, your lordship," I answered triumphantly. I drew from the pocket of my coat the three papers. "Here," said I, extending one, "is His Majesty's free pardon for the Earl, my father. This," I continued, laying the other upon the table, "is a document of similar purport for Sir Hugh Richmond." I held back the third, while Sir Alexander Forfair eagerly picked up the other two. He broke the seals, scanned them hastily, passed them to General Ramesay, and then addressed me. "Madam, it is as you say. Never did I receive orders with a better grace, never shall I carry out royal mandates with a lighter heart. Hey, Ramesay?" "As for the Earl," said the General, "he is a political prisoner with whom I am not greatly concerned, but I am rejoiced indeed that my old friend and comrade, Sir Hugh Richmond, is to go free. He hath failed in his duty, 'tis true, but, by Heaven, madam, when I look at you, I find excuse for him." "But yourself, Lady Katharine," said the Justice gravely, "you at least are not relieved by these documents." "Sir," said I, "I have here still a third paper of importance." "What saith it?" "With its contents I am not acquainted, but His Majesty did declare that it prescribed my punishment. I gave my word to him that I would deliver it to your lordship unopened, and you can testify that I do so." "Hast not thy share of the curiosity of woman, madam?" queried the Justice. "Not in this case, my lord," said I boldly. "I left it with my petticoats." "Wouldst know thy fate, girl?" he continued, breaking the seal and looking at me before he examined the contents. "So long as my father and ... friend are free, what happens to me is of little consequence," was my answer. The Lord Chief Justice looked at the paper. His lips twitched. He passed it over to General Ramesay. Less controlled than the other, the soldier burst into a loud laugh. "A sentence, indeed!" he cried. "How think you it will be liked?"