Rising, he professed his readiness to attend the captain at that very moment.
Cuffe was waiting in the after-cabin.

When Griffin and the prisoner entered, he courteously requested both to be seated, the former being invited to remain, not only as a witness of what might occur, but to act as an interpreter in case of need.

A short pause succeeded, and then the captain opened the dialogue, which was carried on in English, with occasional assistance from Griffin, whenever it became necessary.
"I greatly regret, Monsieur Yvard, to see a brave man in your situation," commenced Cuffe, who, sooth to say, apart from the particular object he had in view, uttered no more than the truth.

"We have done full justice to your spirit and judgment, while we have tried the hardest to get you into our power.

But the laws of war are severe, necessarily, and we English have a commander-in-chief who is not disposed to trifle in matters of duty." This was said, partly in policy, and partly from a habit of standing in awe of the character of Nelson, Raoul received it, however, in the most favorable light; though the politic portion of the motive was altogether thrown away, as will be seen in the sequel.
"Monsieur, _un Francais_ knows how to die in the cause of liberty and his country," answered Raoul, courteously, yet with emphasis.
"I do not doubt it, Monsieur; still, I see no necessity of pushing things to that extremity, England is as liberal of her rewards as she is powerful to resent injuries.