"Anything, my lord, it is your pleasure to communicate." "Nebuchadnezzar Clawbonny says, 'he belonged to the Dawn--was left in her, when captured by Speedy, and was in her when wrecked. Captain Wallingford ordered Mr. Sennit to quit his ship, or he would make him; and Mr. Sennit obeyed Master Miles, of course,' But I will read no more of this, as a slave's statement can hardly be relied on. Perhaps we ought not to have received it, Mr. Clements?" "Your pardon, my lord; it is our duty to protect his Majesty's subjects, in the best mode we can." "That may be true, sir; but certain great principles ought never to be overlooked, even when doing our duty. You perceive, Mr. Wallingford, that your companions contradict your own account of this affair; and the most unpleasant suspicions are awakened. I should never justify myself to my superiors, were I to neglect putting you under arrest, and carrying you all in for trial." "If my companions have been so ill-judging as to make the statements you say, I can only regret it. I have told you the truth; and I can add no more. As for the future, I do not suppose any representation of mine will induce you to change your decision." "You carry it off well, sir; and I hope you will maintain the same appearance of innocence to the end. The lives of the king's subjects are not to be taken with impunity, nevertheless." "Nor is the property of an American citizen, I trust, my lord. _Had_ I used force to regain my ship, and _had_ I thrown the prize-crew into the sea, I conceive I would have been doing no more than was my duty." "This is well, sir; and I hope, for your sake, that an English jury will view the affair in the same light. At present, prepare to go on board the Speedy--for you must not be separated from the important testimony we can find in that ship. As for the citizens you mention, they are bound to submit to the decision of the admiralty courts, and not to take the law into their own hands." "We shall see, my lord. When this case reaches my own country, we shall probably hear more of it."