"Luc Lestang."
That person came forward: "Relate all you know in the conduct of the prisoner Stephens that
may be regarded as treasonable and criminal."
"I have seen him in armed revolt against the authority of Monsieur
le chef."
"Will you please state what have been his demeanour and conduct as a
prisoner."
"He has been insulting and disorderly in the last degree."
"Will you specify a few particular examples?"
"I have frequently heard him describe the Provisional Government and
its supporters as a band of mongrel rough-scruffs; a greasy, insolent
nest of traitors; and a lot of looting, riotous, unwashed savages. He
has used language of this sort ever since his imprisonment. Likewise,
I have heard him say that he would have the pleasure of assisting in
hanging Monsieur Riel to a prairie poplar; and in putting tar and
feathers upon his followers."
"Has he been guilty of any acts of violence?"
"He has been guilty of acts of violence. When he became unbearably
insubordinate I found it my duty to put irons upon him. As I
approached him with the handcuffs he smote me twice in the face, and
I yet carry the mark that he gave me. [Here the precious witness
pointed to his right eye, which was a dusky purple.] This black eye I
received from one of his blows."
"That will do, Luc."
Another witness with the movements of a snake, and eyes as black as
sloes, was called. He gave evidence which tallied exactly with that
sworn to by Lestang. This, of course, was not an extraordinary
coincidence, for he had been present while the first miscreant was
giving his evidence. Yet poor Stephens, whose life was the issue of
all the swearing, was not permitted to be present, but was kept in a
distant room, chained there like a wild beast.
"The Court," said the Adjutant-General, "has heard the accusation
against this man; and its duty is now to consider whether the safety
and the peace of the district demand that the extreme penalty should
be visited upon this enemy of both. The question is, whether he is
worthy of death, or not. You will retire, gentlemen,--" there were
four of them, exclusive of witnesses, and the clerk--"and find your
verdict."
They were absent about two minutes. The foreman then advancing, said: "Monsieur l'Adjutant, WE FIND THE PRISONER EDMUND STEPHENS, GUILTY."
Then drawing upon his head a black cap, the adjutant said: "After due and deliberate trial by this Court, it has been found
that the prisoner Edmund Stephens, is 'Guilty.' I do, therefore,
declare the sentence of this court-martial to be, that the prisoner
be taken forth this day, at one o'clock, and shot. And may God in
His infinite bounty have mercy upon his soul."