With the exception of Captain Cochin and myself (I was able to speak the language a little) few of us understood French, and the formality of having the proceedings interpreted to us was not even allowed.

The captain and certain of the crew of the merchantman were present and told their grievance, and with a large sweep of assumption swore that we were each as bad as the other.

The judge demanded what Captain Cochin had to say, and cut him short before he had well opened his mouth.
I made a feeble effort to put myself right, not so much in any hope of moving the tribunal as of reminding Captain Cochin of my claims on his good offices.

But he was too savage and perturbed to take the hint.
Then it came out that we were bringing arms into France, and were called to prove that they were not for the use of the enemies of liberty.

Whom were they consigned to?
They were not consigned .-- Where did they come from?
Ireland .-- Ireland was in sympathy with France in her war against tyranny.