Raoul Yvard and Ithuel Bolt were brought into the cabin at the same moment, though they came from different parts of the ship, and were allowed to hold no communication with each other. When both were present, they were arraigned, and the accusations were read to them. Raoul having admitted his knowledge of English, no interpreter was sworn, but the proceedings were had in the usual manner. As it was intended to try the Frenchman first, and Ithuel might be wanted as a witness, the latter was taken out of the cabin again, courts-martial never permitting one witness to hear what another has testified, although an ingenious substitute for ears has been adopted of late, by publishing in the journals, from day to day, whatever passes, when the length of the proceedings will admit of such a device. "We will now swear the Signor Andrea Barrofaldi," commenced the Judge Advocate, as soon as the preliminaries were observed. "This is a Catholic bible, sir, and I will put the oaths in Italian if you will have the goodness first to swear me in as an interpreter." This was done, when the oath was duly administered to the vice-governatore. Then came a few questions as to the station, country, etc., of the witness, after which more material matter was inquired into. "Signor Vice-Governatore, do you know the prisoner by sight?" demanded the Judge Advocate. "Sir, I have had the honor to receive him in my residence in the island of Elba." "Under what name and circumstances was he known to you, Signore?" "Eh--he called himself Sir Smees, a capitano in the service of the English king." "What vessel did he pretend to command?" "Ze Ving-y-Ving--a lugger, which I have since had reason to think is le Feu-Follet, a corsair under the French flag. Monsieur did me the favor to make two visits to Porto Ferrajo in the character of Sir Smees." "And you know now that this is Raoul Yvard, the French privateersman you have mentioned?" "Eh--_know?_--I know they _say_ this is the Signor Yvard, and that ze Ving-y-Ving is le Feu-Follet." "They _say_ will not do, Signor Barrofaldi. Can you not say this much of your own knowledge?" "Non, Signore." The court was now cleared; when it re-opened Vito Viti was sent for and properly sworn, his attention being particularly directed to the cross on the back of the book. "Did you ever see the prisoner before this occasion, Signor Viti?" demanded the Judge Advocate, after the preliminary questions had been put. "Signore, oftener than it is agreeable to remember. I do not think that two grave magistrates were ever more mystified than were the vice-governatore and myself! Eh-h-h--Signori, the wisest sometimes become like sucking children, when there passes a mist before the understanding." "Relate the circumstances under which this occurred, to the court, Signor Podestà."