You may gag me if my responses do not please you.

If there were witnesses _for_ me as there are against me, I could prove the truth of my words.

As it is, all the prisoners here will tell you that I am speaking the truth.

Is it not so, you others ?" With the exception of Baron d'Escorval, there was not one prisoner who was capable of understanding the real bearing of these audacious allegations; but all, nevertheless, nodded their assent.
"The Marquis de Sairmeuse was so truly our leader," exclaimed the daring peasant, "that he was wounded by a sabre-thrust while fighting by my side." The face of the duke was more purple than that of a man struck with apoplexy; and his fury almost deprived him of the power of speech.
"You lie, scoundrel! you lie!" he gasped.
"Send for the marquis," said Chanlouineau, tranquilly, "and see whether or not he is wounded." A refusal on the part of the duke could not fail to arouse suspicion.
But what could he do?
Martial had concealed his wound the day before; it was now impossible to confess that he had been wounded.
Fortunately for the duke, one of the judges relieved him of his embarrassment.
"I hope, Monsieur, that you will not give this arrogant rebel the satisfaction he desires.

The commission opposes his demand." Chanlouineau laughed loudly.
"Very naturally," he exclaimed.