Send a file of marines--" and they walked a few steps beyond my hearing, for the blood belled in my ears and blurred my eyes so that my last sight of earth was like to be a dim one.
"Cast him loose and bandage his eyes," said the captain, and they set me standing against the side of the ship and tied a white cloth over my eyes.
I heard clearly enough now and with a quickened sense.

I heard them range the men opposite to me--I hard the tiny clicking of the rings on the muskets as the men handled them--the breathing of those who looked on--the soft wash of the sea behind.

But as far as was in me I faced them without flinching, for in truth I had given myself up and was thinking only of Carette and my mother and my grandfather, and was sending them farewell and a last prayer for their good.
"Are you ready ?" asked the captain.

"You will fire when I drop the handkerchief.

You--prisoner--for the last time--yes or no ?" I shook my head, for I feared lest my voice should betray me.