His declaration or defence, read by Warriston, was simply a recapitulation of some of the leading features of our narrative, which he had no means of substantiating; the mass of evidence against him was summed up, but was too strong in some points to be easily disposed of. His youth and inexperience were dwelt upon, but it seemed without much avail. Neither did the warm manner in which Major Middleton, Buckle, Sergeant-major Calder and others, bore testimony to his spotless character, seem to find much weight. To satisfy the Spaniards, a victim was wanted, and here was one ready made to hand. It was now nearly four o'clock, and the Court was about to be cleared for the consideration of the opinion and sentence, when the sharp and well-known twang of a French cavalry trumpet rang in the court before the palace, and the tramping of horses was heard. "Thank God!" muttered Askerne (who had frequently consulted his watch) as he exchanged a rapid glance with Monkton; "that muleteer has served us well!" At that moment of terrible expectation an officer of the 7th Hussars entered hastily, and presented a note to the judge advocate. "What interruption is this, Captain Conyers?" asked Colonel Grant, sternly. "An officer from the French lines, come in under a flag of truce, requests to be examined by the Court for the defence," replied Conyers. Every face present expressed extreme astonishment. "What is his name?" asked the president. "Eugene de Ribeaupierre--sous-lieutenant of the 24th Chasseurs à Cheval," said Conyers, consulting an embossed calling-card. "Is it he whose name occurs so frequently in the declaration of the prisoner?" "Most probably, sir." "Admit him." The clank of a sabre and the jingle of steel spurs were heard, and then Eugene de Ribeaupierre, looking handsome and gay, but flushed after a long ride from Fonteveros, entered, helmet in hand, and bowed low to the Court and all who were present. "Ha, mon ami!" said he, shaking Quentin's hand with warmth, "I am come in time, I hope; the proceedings are not yet closed, monsieur?" he asked anxiously of the president. "No--but how did _you_ come to hear of them?" was the suspicious question. "From Ramon Campillo, a muleteer of Miranda del Ebro; the same person who conveyed M. Kennedy from the Villa de Maciera to Portalegre, and who was passing through our camp this morning. He came expressly to my tent to tell me all about it, and that charges were to be made which I alone could refute. I reported the affair to my father, the General, who generously gave me leave to come here, with an escort--so I have come, messieurs, to be sworn and examined." "Askerne," whispered Monkton, "you are a rare fellow!" "How, Willie?" "Damme, by your foresight we shall yet baffle Crawford, De Saldos, Trevino and Co.!" "Hush, hush! You are rash."