Upon the orders of his colonel he would have hanged Pitt out of hand, but was restrained by the lies of the prisoner Blood, who led him to believe that Pitt was a peer of the realm and a person of consideration.
As the Captain's evidence concluded, Lord Jeffreys looked across at Peter Blood.
"Will the prisoner Blood ask the witness any questions ?" "None, my lord.

He has correctly related what occurred." "I am glad to have your admission of that without any of the prevarications that are usual in your kind.

And I will say this, that here prevarication would avail you little.

For we always have the truth in the end.

Be sure of that." Baynes and Pitt similarly admitted the accuracy of the Captain's evidence, whereupon the scarlet figure of the Lord Chief Justice heaved a sigh of relief.
"This being so, let us get on, in God's name; for we have much to do." There was now no trace of gentleness in his voice.