It is true, she had worn the French flag, but she had also worn the English, and the Proserpine had done the same thing.

To be sure, the lugger had _fought_ under the _drapeau tricolor_, which might be taken as a strong circumstance against her; but it was not absolutely conclusive, for the circumstances might possibly justify deception to the last moment; and he admitted that the frigate herself had _appeared_ to fire at the batteries under the same ensign.

The case was allowed to be embarrassing; and, while no one really doubted the identity of Raoul, those who were behind the curtains greatly feared they might be compelled to adjourn the trial for want of evidence, instead of making an immediate sentence the means of getting possession of the lugger, as had been hoped.

When all these points had been sufficiently discussed, and Cuffe had let his brethren into his view of the real state of the case, he pointed out a course that he still trusted would prove effectual.

After a few minutes of further deliberation on this information, the doors were opened and the court resumed its public sitting, as before.
"Let a young woman who is known by the name of Ghita be brought in next," said the Judge Advocate, consulting his notes.
Raoul started, and a shade of manly concern passed over his face; but he soon recovered and seemed unmoved.