A BENEFACTOR 241 



has watched the whole course of your prosecution 

 with much interest, and he has now desired me to 

 express to you his entire conviction of your innocence, 

 together with the high sense which he entertains of 

 your character.' General Picton bowed an acknow- 

 ledgment of this compliment. 



' But that 's not all,' continued the Colonel. ' I have 

 just parted with him, and, to be brief, he has desired 

 me to say that, as he is aware of the great expenses 

 which you must incur in defending yourself against 

 a Government prosecution, and uncertain whether 

 your fortune can support the heavy demands upon 

 you, he is desirous that you should make him your 

 banker during the remainder of the proceedings. 

 He offers you the use of any sum under ten thousand 

 pounds.' 



Picton was for a moment silent, for this mark of 

 consideration from a stranger astonished him. He 

 could not immediately express his feehngs; but at 

 length he expatiated with much earnestness on the 

 munificent generosity of the Duke, to whom he 

 immediately wrote a brief note, afterwards handed 

 to Colonel Darling for perusal. In this he stated 

 how highly flattered he was by the opinion which 

 his grace had expressed of him ; while, in reference 

 to his proffered munificence he added : * Had it not 



Q 



