Annette - The Metis Spy

"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."